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Overview
This is one of a set of 15 plastic miniature figurines [with oversize heads] depicting the 1995 All Blacks rugby union team that represented New Zealand at the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa.
The "All Blacks Club"
The All Blacks rugby union team is arguably New Zealand’s most successful and widely recognised sporting brand. The team’s success on the field and the personalities of its individual players are an example of how New Zealand’s sporting culture is marketed to the world. These figurines are part of the merchandising associated with the team.
Each figurine is dressed in their rugby uniform. This one depicts Shane Howarth, who played in the team at No. 15 position as a fullback. The set of figurines comes with cardboard mounting card (mounting instructions on base) and rubber bands for attachment. Each figurine is contained within a sealed plastic bag with the figure's name and number, sponsors name - CALTEX, "All Blacks Club" motif and production details and also printed with "Recommended for 3 years and over".
Sporting collectibles
Collectible figurines are one product created by sports marketing industry to promote and generate revenue for sporting teams and codes, as well as prominent individual sports people. The wide range paraphernalia used to market sporting bands includes t-shirts and hats, posters, banners and sporting equipment. In the 1990s and 2000s, the buying, selling and trade of sports collectibles boomed among sports collectors with the development of the internet and online trading sites. These figures were sold as part of promotions at Caltex petrol stations throughout New Zealand.
Acquisition history
This set of figurines were gifted to the museum by Caltex Oil (NZ) Ltd, 1996.