All Blacks hit streets and paddocks to meet their fans

The All Blacks will be out and about meeting their fans this year – with a wide range of activities planned in and around the New Zealand cities hosting All Blacks’ Test matches.

All Blacks Manager Darren Shand said: “One of the great things for the All Blacks is being able to mix with fans of the team, especially our younger fans.

“This year, the team will be taking part in a wide range of events – from meet and greet autograph sessions through to Rippa Rugby events, visits to primary schools, training with rugby clubs and public trainings.”

The fan activity kicks off in Dunedin next week, ahead of the team’s first Iveco Series Test against France at Carisbrook, with an autograph session for the public on Tuesday afternoon at the Wall Street Mall in central Dunedin.

The event, which is being held in conjunction with the Dunedin City Council, will be held from 5.15pm to 6.15pm, with 16 players involved.

Meanwhile, the other members of the squad will be involved in a Rippa Rugby event at the Edgar Centre for children from rugby clubs in Dunedin and the surrounding rural areas.

All Blacks captain Mils Muliaina said: “The guys are excited about kicking off the season in Dunedin and getting out and about and meeting their fans.  It’s a massive challenge to kick off the year against France but it’s great knowing we will have the whole city and the southern region behind us,” Shand said.

What: All Blacks Q&A and autograph session

Where: Wall Street Mall, George St, Dunedin

When: 5.15pm – 6.15pm, Tuesday 9 June

Further details on the fan activity in each city will be announced closer to the time with details also announced on The Radio Network stations in each city.

Meanwhile, the hugely-popular MasterCard All Blacks Roadshow will also be hitting the road travelling to various New Zealand cities and towns during the All Blacks season.  For everything you need to know about the Roadshow go to www.mastercard.co.nz/roadshow.

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