Why is rugby one of the most popular sports in New Zealand?

However, the indigenous people of Maori in New Zealand sing a different tune.

They say that a sport similar to rugby called the ki-o-rahi was already being played before the British colonial government arrived.

This partly explains why rugby isn’t a fleeting trend but a deeply ingrained part of the history, culture, and the national success of New Zealand.

Rugby in New Zealand is more than a sport; it is a national passion that has united the country.

The men’s national team is one of the most successful and iconic sports teams globally, with a winning record of over 76% in their history.

Their international success isn’t the only reason why they are so popular.

Below, we will analyse the many reasons rugby has unparalleled popularity in New Zealand.

Historical development of rugby in New Zealand

The formal story of rugby’s introduction to New Zealand began in 1870, when Charles John Monro, educated in England, brought the sport to his country.

The story goes beyond that; however, the first official match, played on 14 May 1870 between Nelson College and Nelson Football Club, was the big moment that sparked a wildfire of enthusiasm that spread rapidly across the country.

The rugby football game started gaining popularity at several schools and clubs, and the governing body of the Rugby Football Union was established in 1870.

The union approved the first official laws of rugby in 1871.

These laws were very strict regarding professionalism within the game.

The Rugby League was eventually created on 29 August 1895.

The main reason for the division between the union and the league was that the league wanted to pay their players while the union did not¹.

Another one of the key milestones in New Zealand’s rugby history was their first international test match played on 15 August 1903, when New Zealand defeated Australia 22-3 in Sydney.

New Zealand hosted its first home test the following year and beat its former colonial masters 9-3 at Wellington’s Athletic Park.

The 1905-06 tour by the New Zealand national team is one of the most remarkable moments in the team’s history, as the team famously known as “The Originals” won 34 out of the 35 matches they played.

The game started gaining popularity at this stage due to the national team’s skilful style of play, combined with pre-match haka, which totally captivated audiences all over the world².

Rugby and national identity

Rugby is a symbol of New Zealand's national identity, and it has greatly influenced its life and culture.

The landscape of New Zealand is filled with rugby goalposts at every corner.

A drive through the country will reveal many young people perfecting their kicks at the park and proud supporters wearing their team's shirts to the shops³.

The All Blacks, New Zealand's national rugby team, have also been responsible for inspiring a sense of belonging among Kiwis.

The country has had phenomenal past victories, but unlike other situations where a nation lives off its past victories, New Zealand's team has displayed consistent excellence and sportsmanship on the world stage.

The country is multicultural, and rugby is a social bridge, bringing together people from different ethnic backgrounds, including Maori, Pakeha, and Pacific Islanders.

Rugby is popular as it has helped break down social barriers and brought together the diverse population of New Zealand through grassroots clubs, schools, and national competitions.

Cultural significance: Rugby as a way of life

Rugby has inspired art, literature, music, and even language, uniting the multicultural nation of New Zealand.

One of the most iconic symbols of New Zealand Rugby is the traditional Maori war dance performed by the All Blacks before matches⁴.

The All Blacks begin each test match with haka and have included this in their routine for almost 120 years. Of all 612 tests played, the All Blacks have won over 76% of their matches.

Many believe the haka gives the team an advantage on the sport's field.

Regardless of whether this is true, the haka is performed for more traditional reasons to show cultural pride, strength, and unity.

In literature, poets like Allen Curtis have used rugby as a metaphor for New Zealand's colonial past, while musicians like Six60 celebrate the All Blacks in songs like "Don't Forget Your Roots".

Rugby's influence on films like "Once Were Warriors" is even more pronounced, where rugby reflects Maori identity and community struggles.

The media’s influence in amplifying rugby’s reach

We can't ignore the massive influence the media has had in the dominance of rugby.

Media coverage has regularly brought the sport into every Kiwi home, from radio's early days to today's television and social media.

Many major events, such as the Rugby World Cup and the Super Rugby, receive wall-to-wall attention, including live broadcasts, highlights, and analysis that drive excitement and keep Kiwis engaged.

The media spotlight has also birthed many rugby legends.

Players like Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, and Jonah Lomu owe most of their game to the media narratives celebrating their achievements.

Stories of these legends broadcast across media have also influenced many youngsters to pick up a ball.

Legendary player Richie McCaw once said: "Rugby is more than just a game in New Zealand; it's a way of life," a sentiment that we have seen echoed in many articles and broadcasts.

Media coverage has a massive influence on rugby, even at the grassroots level, as local papers and stations cover school and club games, nurturing the local community's pride and ensuring that the sport remains popular at all levels.

Today, social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram connect fans with players in real-time, creating a deeper sense of engagement.

Media coverage has helped ensure rugby remains popular as New Zealand's cultural heartbeat.

Weight-based age group systems in junior rugby

One of the many distinctive features of New Zealand's rugby is the use of weight-based grading for junior players, particularly in the early stages.

This system differs from the more commonly used age-based grading system in other countries.

However, it has proven to be the best option as the risk of physical injury is reduced, especially for players with smaller physiques who need to focus more on handling and tackling skills without being overpowered by larger opponents.

The bigger players also get to develop their physique without dominating smaller teammates.

The weight-based system is a unique adaptation to rugby that contributes to how easily accessible the sport is to younger Kiwi players.

This approach has helped rugby gain popularity and relevance in a country like New Zealand, where rugby is played at all levels, from schools to professional leagues, and physical disparities among young players can be significant.

However, the practice has had some controversy, as a study published by the NZ Herald found that 46% of players are more likely to quit if forced to play with older kids because of weight grading.

The tradition of barefoot rugby among young players

Another fascinating aspect that makes rugby popular with Kiwis is the simple tradition of young children playing rugby barefoot, especially in the lower age groups.

It is common for children to start playing rugby barefoot before getting their first boots around the age of seven, as noted in many personal accounts.

This practice, rooted in New Zealand's heritage, makes rugby a lot more accessible by eliminating the cost of equipment⁵.

The reason for its popularity is no longer far-fetched, seeing as the sport is made accessible to everyone, even children from less affluent backgrounds.

Playing barefoot also contributes to better footwork and agility, as young players develop a strong connection with the ground, reducing the potential of ankle and knee injuries later in life.

To wrap up

Rugby is New Zealand's most popular sport for many reasons, and the sport is woven into the nation's soul.

Its history, from colonial beginnings to All Blacks glory, lays a foundation of immense pride. Culturally, it has helped shape the nation's identity, bringing together people of multicultural backgrounds.

The media has also helped amplify its impact across the country, from grassroots to the big stages.

Practices like weight-based grading and barefoot play highlight New Zealand's unique approach to rugby development.

All these factors illustrate why the sport is not just a game but a part of the Kiwi culture prevalent across diverse communities.

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