New Zealand is renowned for its vibrant sporting culture, especially through cricket and rugby. With a population of just over five million, the country boasts a passionate fan base for sports and has had a great reputation for producing athletes.
The sporting fever is evident in the enthusiasm and dedication of Kiwis, who not only participate in sports but also support their national teams with great passion. In this article, we will explore the top four sporting obsessions that captivate the hearts of the people of New Zealand.
Rugby
Rugby is by far the most popular sport in New Zealand in all aspects, from participation to success and viewership. There are over 140,000 registered rugby players in the country, and the sports are also enjoyed by a strong fan base, with almost half of the population marking their attendance in rugby matches.
The country’s national rugby team is highly successful, having won three Rugby World Cup titles. The nation also holds a remarkable 76% winning record in Test match rugby, having secured more wins than losses.
Cricket
Cricket is the second most popular sport in the country and is also the national summer sport of New Zealand. Recent surveys show a record-breaking viewership with over 1.86 million viewers for certain matches and a notable increase in participation and viewership across the country.
The national team, also known as the Black Caps, has a tremendous record in the ICC tournaments, having won the ICC Knockout Trophy in 2000, which is now known as the ICC Champions Trophy. They also bagged the title of the World Test Championship in 2021 after defeating India. Needless to say, the team is pretty successful in their cricket campaign, and it’s a well-deserved choice for the top four games of New Zealand.
Sailing
While sailing does not match the spectator popularity of rugby or cricket, it’s definitely a significant sport in New Zealand, especially considering the maritime culture of the country.
The national sailing team is also pretty successful as they have bagged a number of titles, including the America Cup four times. The team has also performed consistently well in the Olympics, having won multiple medals, the latest one being a silver at the Paris Olympics 2024.
Trail Running
Trail running is gaining popularity on a global level, but in New Zealand, it has always been a local pick. While the country offers excellent trails for running, it lacks the same amount of participation as other sports.
However, legendary figures like Weston Hill and Katie Morgan have performed well in trail running by winning events like the New Zealand Trail Running Championships. Another athlete, Julia Chamberlain, also set a record in the Backyard Ultra, showcasing the country’s growing potential and presence in the sport.
Also Read: Top 5 Players with the Most Runs for New Zealand in International Cricket
