Classic All Blacks rugby represents the finest players of yesteryear while celebrating the heritage of New Zealand rugby.

It is a celebration of over a century of New Zealand rugby. The team honours the achievements of All Blacks of the past like Dave Gallagher and George Nepia through to those of recent times. Classic All Black rugby captures the true essence of the game – courage, commitment and country.

As the Classic All Blacks recognise the achievements of the past, we are looking to the future. Professionalism has ushered in a new era. Once an amateur pastime, rugby for many is now a profession. The stakes are high with million dollar player contracts and huge global TV audiences becoming common place. The Classic All Blacks can play on that stage.

The changing face of professionalism has meant that more and more, top New Zealand rugby players are now plying their trade offshore. Some are All Blacks who have put the thrill of the test-match rugby behind them and are now experiencing an OE and the opportunity to earn large sums of money comparative to what the NZ domestic game can offer. Others are players at Super 14 or Provincial levels who may have given up their dream of being an All Black to pursue their rugby opportunities overseas.

Accordingly, Classic All Blacks rugby evolved as well. Whilst still keeping faith with the heritage and traditions of All Blacks rugby we have our eye on the professional arena. The team that once had its focus on a celebration of its predecessors and saluted their contributions by keeping alive the memories of the past, now has its own ‘professional era’. In 2007 a team of ‘current professionals’ made up of All Blacks who are no longer contracted to the New Zealand Rugby Union played two matches in Japan. Played two won two…the sort of start that the team of 1884 had provided.

In May 2008, another ‘professional team’ representing the Classic All Blacks played English County originals Leicester, a team that the much heralded ‘1905 Originals’ played on their tour of the United Kingdom. They then played another game in Japan soon after.

A new day has dawned for the Classic All Blacks. The pride that the players who wear the silver fern have in the heritage that they are part of will be the constant that binds their loyalty to each other and to their fans forever.

These are exciting times for Classic All Blacks rugby.