The All Blacks will mark Remembrance Sunday this weekend by wearing red poppies embroidered on their jerseys for the Test match against Wales at Millennium Stadium.
In the United Kingdom, Remembrance Sunday is the second Sunday of November, the Sunday nearest to Armistice Day (November 11) which is the anniversary of the end of the hostilities of World War I. It is marked with ceremonies in many cities, towns and villages.
All Blacks manager Darren Shand said the Wales Rugby Union had asked if the All Blacks could join the Welsh team in wearing a poppy on their playing kit to mark Remembrance Sunday, and said the team was honoured to do so.
“The team feels it is important to honour the role of New Zealanders who died in World War I and particularly the number of All Blacks who died, including 1905 All Blacks Originals captain Dave Gallaher,” Mr Shand said.
The All Blacks have worn a poppy on their Test jerseys in the past, including in 2006 when they played France in Lyon.
Remembrance Sunday will also be marked before the Test with the playing of the Last Post, a minute’s silence, and the presentation of wreaths by the two captains to military representatives.
