Good deals Rugby Championship

1905 and 1998: the birth of the All Blacks and the Black Ferns

The nickname of the All Blacks was born in 1905, during the first tour of a New Zealand selection in Great Britain: these Originals, dressed in black from head to toe except for the silver fern, lose only one of their thirty-five matches, against Wales. The women's team received their name much later: after their victory in the 1998 World Cup in Amsterdam against the United States, the players rejected the nickname Gal Blacks and officially became the Black Ferns. Their jerseys, made by adidas, maintain the same black and fern design, in men's cut for some and women's cut for others.

Other nations

The nations in great deals are also represented:

• VI Nations.

All the nations in great deals are gathered on the nations page.

The green and gold of the Springboks, dressed by Nike since 2023

Since July 2023, the Springboks have been wearing Nike kits, a brand that had previously outfitted them from 1996 to 2003. The home jersey in green and gold comes in short or long sleeves, with the latter being more comfortable during cool evenings at the stadium. The range includes a home or away t-shirt, for both adults and kids, a button-collared polo, the half-zip sweatshirt, a short-sleeved or sleeveless training top designed for workouts, and a sleeveless puffer jacket, handy on the sideline when the wind picks up. A bucket hat and a cap complete the outfit of South African supporters.

Performance or supporter: which cut for the black jersey

The jersey of the All Blacks comes in two cuts. The performance version takes inspiration from the players’ fit: lightweight fabric, a fitted cut that hugs the chest and shoulders, for a look close to that of the pitch. The supporter version, which is straighter, allows for ease of wear on a daily basis or over a warm undergarment. If in doubt, measure your chest size and compare it to the size guide: if between two sizes, opt for the larger one for the performance cut. The Maori All Blacks jersey, open to players of Maori descent, and the home shorts follow the same cut logic.

Other great deals

Good deals can also be found in the sales, clearance, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections. The highlights of the year follow a stable order: Black Friday in late autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by the summer sales and back-to-school season.

Frequently asked questions

Since when has Argentina been competing in the Rugby Championship?

Since 2012. The Pumas then joined New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia, who had been competing in the Tri-Nations since 1996, and the competition took its current name of Rugby Championship.

What does the silver fern of the All Blacks represent?

It’s an indigenous plant of New Zealand whose fronds, with their silver-white underside, were traditionally used by Maori to mark trails at night. It has adorned the black jersey of the country’s teams since the end of the nineteenth century.

Which hakas do the All Blacks perform?

The most famous, Ka Mate, is attributed to the Maori chief Te Rauparaha. Since 2005, the All Blacks have also performed Kapa o Pango, a haka written for the team and unveiled against South Africa in Dunedin.

What trophy do the All Blacks and Wallabies compete for?

The Bledisloe Cup, presented by Lord Bledisloe, then Governor-General of New Zealand, and contested since 1932. The Rugby Championship matches between the two neighbors count towards its allocation, sometimes supplemented by an additional test.

Can the Springboks polo be worn outside of matches?

Yes, its buttoned collar and more tailored fit than a jersey make it an easy outfit to wear to work or while travelling. It washes at thirty degrees, inside out, to protect the badge and logos.