$20,000 tag to kit out each All Black

By ALAN PERROTT

Becoming an All Black means glory, glamour and about $20,000 of new clothes.

Other than their own toothbrush and undies, everything a player needs to take on the world's best comes courtesy of team sponsor adidas.

Adidas rugby operations manager Simon Johnston has assembled more than $500,000 of All Black apparel for this tour.

His work began last Sunday when he was told those selected to play England, Wales and France - one day ahead of the players.

"All the players have to do is turn up with their toothbrush and underpants," said Mr Johnston. "We take care of the rest."

Adidas has three people assigned to fitting the different footwear.

Over four hours each player sees a podiatrist who establishes the proper fitting running shoe, another expert assigns the correct rugby boot, and a third fits the casual shoes.

The playing jerseys come in eight sizes ranging from Steve Devine to Jonah Lomu.

Each of the 26 players and support staff receives kit with a retail value of between $18,000 and $20,000.

For each test the players get a new jersey, shorts and socks. Mr Johnston said each jersey cost about $150 to produce, but they were not available for sale.

Former All Black Andy Haden said 30 years ago players would turn up with their own boots and hope the rugby union loaned them some shorts and a pair of socks. "Occasionally you'd get a pair of boots but it was a struggle," he said.

"Even then we were flattered by the amount of free gear we got. These days you'd need five bags to carry everything. But good on them and good luck."