Although the match against Tigers is a one-off fixture, the team aims to emulate the spirit and sense of adventure of the first All Blacks side which travelled to Britain in 1905, winning 32 of their 33 matches on a grueling eight-month tour.
Today, Classic All Blacks rugby represents the finest players of yesteryear. It honours the achievements of the past and celebrates the heritage of New Zealand rugby.

The ‘professional’ element of the set-up is a newly-established initiative which sees current professionals donning the Classic All Blacks shirt. So far, this guise of the Classic All Blacks has played just two fixtures, both against Japan in 2007. The side took on former Kiwi international John Kirwan’s men in a back-to-back series designed to aid the Japanese preparations for the Rugby World Cup. Having won the opening fixture 35-26, the result was more comfortable for the Classic All Blacks in the second match as they ran out winners by 36 points to six.

After taking on Tigers at Welford Road, the Classic All Blacks intend to make another visit to Japan for a further fixture on their return to New Zealand.

While the ‘professional’ arm of the Classic All Blacks only made their debut last season, the ‘amateur’ version of the side has been inexistence since 1986, when it was set up by former All Black second row Andy Haden. The side has taken part in invitational tournaments such as the world-famous Bermuda Classic, finishing as runners-up in last year’s event, as well as celebration matches like that which marked the Marist Rugby Club’s centenary event in Auckland in their native New Zealand.