Why are the All Blacks (NZ) called the All Blacks?

Question

Why are the All Blacks (NZ) called the All Blacks?

Answer 1

Because way back when our grandfathers were little kiddies, the NZ national team toured Great Britain. Their style of play was new to the English, who were not used to such a free flowing, running game. The English media thought that they were 'All backs" due to the running game they played. Over the years this eventually became "All Blacks", probably due to the colour of their jerseys.

Answer 2

Yeah i agree with Johno

Answer 3

Kiwi Chicken's answer is the one that I've heard the most and I have to say it's more appealing that the fact they wear all black!

Answer 4

johno is right

Answer 5

because thier team strip is all black

Answer 6

Kiwi Chicken has the correct answer.

Answer 7

Hi

The popular story is that a British newspaper and/or a British poster printer made a typing error and inserted an 'L' into what should have been a description of the NZ side as 'All Backs' thereby changing the name to 'All Blacks'. Given that the team kit was indeed black, the name stuck. The story is not without its doubters, but seems to be the accepted version of events. There is an extremely detailed discussion of the various versions of the story on the website below. As you will see, if you choose to read it, no evidence for the story above can be found, but hey, that's never stopped a good story from gaining popularity before has it?? :-)

Answer 8

look at the uniform they were and you will have your answer