Rugby Legends: The Spirit of the Black Jersey | Te Papa

Museum of New Zealand

Te Papa Tongarewa

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Rugby Legends: The Spirit of the Black JerseyHe Hautipua Whutupōro: Te Hautoa o te Poraka Pango

New Zealand’s black jersey is rugby’s most potent symbol. Discover some of this country’s rugby legends – teams and players who embody the spirit of the black jersey.

When | Āhea

02 Jun – 15 Oct 2017

Where | Ki hea

Level 3

Cost | Te utu

Free entry

Ages | TE REANGA

All ages

Allow | ME WHAKARITE

20 minutes

Accessibility | E wātea ana ki

wheelchair accessible

Find out more about accessibility at Te Papa

Highlights include the ‘eel-like’ jersey worn by 1905’s ‘Originals’, the first team called ‘All Blacks’, and the jersey Richie McCaw pulled on for the quarterfinals of the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Explore the history of the game in New Zealand through legendary players such as Dave Gallaher, George Nepia, Farah Palmer, and McCaw, and trace the evolution of the national team and its iconic emblem: the silver fern.

Various trophies on display in the exhibition, including the Dave Gallaher Cup, Tom French Cup, and Women’s Sevens World Cup. Photograph by Rachael Hockridge. Te Papa

Various trophies on display in the exhibition, including the Dave Gallaher Cup, Tom French Cup, and Women’s Sevens World Cup. Photograph by Rachael Hockridge. Te Papa

Experience the All Blacks haka in 3D via Haka 360. Photograph by Rachael Hockridge. Te Papa

Experience the All Blacks haka in 3D via Haka 360. Photograph by Rachael Hockridge. Te Papa

Looking at the Webb Ellis Cup replica. Photograph by Rachael Hockridge. Te Papa

Looking at the Webb Ellis Cup replica. Photograph by Rachael Hockridge. Te Papa

Historical quotes, photos, and objects adorn the wall along one side of the exhibition. Photograph by Rachael Hockridge. Te Papa

Historical quotes, photos, and objects adorn the wall along one side of the exhibition. Photograph by Rachael Hockridge. Te Papa

Discover moreKia kitea ake

Close-up of 1905 All Blacks jersey, featuring a brown crest on the top and a large silver fern on the left-hand side. The jersey is black

The significance of the silver fern

The ‘silver fern’ Cyathea dealbata – ponga in te reo Māori – is a species of tree fern only found in New Zealand but it is recognised internationally.

The New Zealand Natives rugby team posing for a team photo

Before the All Blacks: The New Zealand ‘Natives’

The ‘NZ Native Football Representatives’ team was the first New Zealand representative rugby team to tour Britain.

Watch: Sir Peter Snell hands over his Olympic memorabilia to Te Papa

Sir Peter discusses why he donated his sporting memorabilia to Te Papa, and what he hopes people will take away from the exhibition.

Rugby player kicking for goal, circa 1922

On and off the field: Rugby and photography

What would a New Zealand photography collection be without pictures of rugby? From local paddocks to packed stadiums, we’ve always taken snaps of our national game. Here are some of our favourites from Te Papa’s collection.

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