VIDEO: Razor speaks about Springboks and other first-season hurdles
The All Blacks will play a Test against Pacific neighbours Fiji in San Diego this July.
This is one of the first-season hurdles faced by new coach Scott Robertson.
New Zealand starts their season with a two-match home Test series against England in Dunedin on July 6.
The All Blacks face the English again a week later at Auckland’s Eden Park, where New Zealand have not lost since 1994.
“Playing England under the roof in Dunedin is a great start for us in a world-class stadium, and then we go up to Auckland, where we have a great record that we are really proud of,” Robertson said in a statement.
New Zealand then face Fiji on July 19 in the United States.
(Continue below …)
“Flying off to San Diego is exciting in itself,” Robertson added.
“The Fijians know their way around the world, and they’ll come out from everywhere. I know a lot of Kiwis will make the trip as well.
“We are playing up on the Highveld at Ellis Park and then down to Cape Town.
“They are iconic Tests and I know a lot of Kiwis will be excited about that.
“It is a great chance to find out about ourselves against the world champions. It’s a chance to support us locally but also internationally.
“It’s also a chance to get behind this team and experience it with us, which is the exciting thing about it. And be proud to wear your All Blacks jersey no matter where we go.”
(Article continues below Scott Robertson interview …)
Chief Executive Mark Robinson said New Zealand Rugby had a “long-held ambition” to play a Test in North America to promote the game there.
“We want to deliver an event that will capture the imagination of sports fans across the United States and showcase the best qualities of our game,” he added in a statement.
“There is no better way to start the year on home soil.
“To have four of the first five Tests of 2024 at home in Aotearoa Dunedin, Wellington and Auckland is a great result and we’re excited to be taking the All Blacks to San Diego to play Fiji.
“It’s been a long-held ambition for New Zealand and part of our wider strategy to increase the visibility and understanding of rugby in North America and to build our brand presence ahead of the World Cup in 2031.
“The All Blacks and Fiji share a deep connection to the game of rugby and to the Pacific region and we’d like to thank USA for embracing the opportunity to bring this Test to America.
“It promises to be a unique and entertaining afternoon of rugby and Pacific culture, and a great advertisement for the game.”
Defending champions New Zealand kick off their Rugby Championship campaign by hosting Argentina in Wellington on August 10, then play the Pumas in Auckland a week later.
New Zealand also face old foes South Africa and Australia away before hosting the Wallabies in Wellington in late September in the second of two Bledisloe Cup matches.
The All Blacks head north at the end of October to face Japan in Yokohama before playing England, Ireland, France and Italy on an end-of-year European tour.
Highlights
* Fourteen Tests across nine countries
* Five home Tests across Dunedin, Auckland and Wellington
* All Blacks v Fiji in San Diego
* Back to back Tests in South Africa
The All Blacks’ full 2024 Test schedule
