Thank You, New Zealand

Thank you, New Zealand.

"The level of support the All Blacks have received in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington since Sunday, as well as from Kiwis throughout New Zealand has been phenomenal.

"Estimates of close to half a million New Zealanders turned out to celebrate the team’s achievements and recognise the hosting of an outstanding Rugby World Cup.

“Today up to 150,000 Wellingtonians braved the wet weather to welcome the Rugby World Cup winning and IRB Team of the Year – the All Blacks - to the capital city.

“As the team departs for a well-deserved break with their family and friends; on behalf of the All Blacks and New Zealand Rugby Union, we want to recognise the incredible support of Kiwis throughout the country and say ‘thank you’ New Zealand.

“The All Blacks are humbled by the passion that followed them throughout this campaign and they’ve said that the nation was their ‘sixteenth man’ to help bring the Cup home. They are very delighted to have won the Cup and believe they have done this for all New Zealanders.

“We will soon begin planning to celebrate the Cup with other New Zealand towns and cities in the coming months.”