A Brief History of the All Blacks in America

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With another successful All Blacks excursion to the USA in the books, it made me curious about New Zealand rugby’s other sojourns in America. They are no stranger to our shores, which is a bit odd in and of itself. We are hardly a rugby-playing nation, and most Americans would confuse Kiwis with Aussies.

Despite that, the All Blacks draw pretty good crowds in America. The showing in San Diego against Fiji proves once again that the USA likes its rugby, even if we aren’t so good at it. Like playing Ireland in Chicago, inviting Fiji was a smart call as a way to connect with the Fijian and Lager Pacific Islander community on the West Coast. And, of course, fans of the sport of all nationalities turned up as well.

The Kiwis visiting California also keeps alive a tradition that is more than a century old. New Zealand’s history in America is fascinating. The entire relationship started with the country’s prime minister scheduling games without the team knowing. They went through California when the state’s colleges had switched to rugby. They showed up randomly in the 1970s and 80s and then helped assist in the sport’s growth over the past decade.

Of course, the results haven’t always been pretty. At least on the field. But that is also part of the All Blacks' tradition in America I suppose.

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