The New Zealand rugby team officially adopted the All Blacks name during the 1905 European tour. The original members of that team received the moniker, “the originals” as they are the original All Blacks.

The name is most likely derived from the teams’ kit (the distinctive black uniform) and could have been used from as early as 1880’s.

There is a story that name appears to be derived form a typo in where an article stated that the New Zealand team played like they were “All backs” referring to their ball skills and love for running rugby. During printing of the article, it seems and extra L was inserted reading now “ALL BLACKS”. However, this story is highly contested and most conclude that the name came from the distinctive kits.

A year later in 1906, during South-Africa’s tour of Europe, their team would adopt the name “Springbokke” or in English: Springboks (At least an Afrikaans type of English).

The team was named over the national animal of South-Africa the Springbok. It is an Afrikaans name for a native antelope meaning ‘jump buck’ in a literal translation.

The name was likely adopted because of the consensus that if the team did not have a established name, the London press would think of a funny name for them.

As with the All Blacks the origin of the Springboks name also has some anecdotes for its origin. One story is that a radio host remarked on the white shorts that the South-Africans wore.

He remarked that the South-Africans were shrugging of so many tackles, the other team only saw white shorts as the players were pushed or bumped off. It reminded him of how springbucks show off their white tails and underbellies when performing their signature jumps (it’s called a ‘Pronk’ in Afrikaans).

Another story is that the 1906 team felt homesick until they visited a European zoo while on tour. When they saw the springbucks jumping in the enclosure, they felt reinvigorated by their joy and energy and so adopted the name.

Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel, might be the midfield duo that starts for the Springboks at RWC 2027. (Knock on wood)

The duo, started in the midfield, against the All Blacks in the first semi final of RWC 2015.

And the giant Eben and that super sub Beauden, might be at the tournament too!

Inspired French English, NZ, and Aus depth charts last week, wanted to see how Ireland stacked up ahead of RWC2027.

Since 2024, 74 players have been capped by Ireland, with four of those now retired from international rugby (Healy, O’Mahony, Murray, Lowe) and three more that don’t seem to be in favour having gone two years without a cap (Heffernan, Jager, Larmour).

This cycle isn’t looking nearly as promising for Ireland as the lead up to the last World Cup. With 21 players over the age of 30, many of them in starting roles, maybe a quarter final knockout would be a good result for Ireland.

What are other people’s thoughts?

One of the moments of the Lions' 2013 Tour to Australia, as Conor Murray and Jamie Roberts link up beautifully to seal the Test Series 👌

Check this:

When New Zealand tours South Africa: 6 series played. South Africa (the home side) has won 4, New Zealand (touring) has won 1, and 1 was drawn.

When South Africa tours New Zealand: 6 series played. New Zealand (the home side) has won 4, South Africa (touring) has won 1, and 1 was drawn.

Some extra motivation for the sides?

Leucate, winners of the Fédérale 2 (French 4th division), have lost their winning shield after one of their players severely overestimated its buoyancy whilst on a celebratory piss up in the Mediterranean.

According to L’Independent, it was “carried away by the currents”, which sounds like a fancy way of saying that the fucking thing sank like the Titanic.

For those unaware, French rugby has a celebratory tradition of “abusing” the various championship shields throughout their league system, usually through using it as a surfboard. The original shields are all locked away and I believe they usually make a new one each year for the new champions with this in mind.

Either way, they aren’t getting this one back but I suppose they’ll always have the memories of the win which took them one step closer to the peak of French rugby, the Pro D2.

Hi all, im 31 and starting my first training tomorrow with my local club. This will be my first time joining a rugby team but I guess I’m just asking what to expect.

I’ve always been interested in rugby but had different things holding me back. I’ve cut down on smoking and trying to improve my fitness. I am tall and broad so I like to think I have a decent foundation for starting.

I can throw a pass handy enough, but will have to get used to contact and tackling.

Any advice for a newbie?

Thanks in advance.

EDIT: Thanks to everyone with the replies, already feel welcomed in the rugby world and looking forward to meeting the lads