Story: Sport and society

New Zealand Native rugby team, 1888–89

New Zealand Native rugby team, 1888–89

The improvement in international transport, especially the coming of steam-powered ships, allowed New Zealand teams to begin touring overseas from the 1870s. The New Zealand Native rugby team was the first New Zealand team in any sport to tour the UK. They also played in Australia and New Zealand at both ends of their tour. They were travelling from June 1888 to August 1889, and played 108 matches. They won 79, drew six and lost 23.

Using this item

Auckland City Libraries - Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero, Sir George Grey Special Collections
Reference: 4-919
Photograph by James D. Richardson

Permission of Auckland City Libraries Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Greg Ryan, 'Sport and society - National sports', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/39383/new-zealand-native-rugby-team-1888-89 (accessed 21 April 2024)

Story by Greg Ryan, published 5 Sep 2013