We, the undersigned, call for the removal of the All Blacks’ “haka” from rugby matches. While the “haka” is often presented as an important expression of Maori culture, its inclusion in rugby is both inauthentic and, in its childish attention-seeking, at odds with the gentlemanly values of the sport. The All Blacks’ connection to this “tradition” is, at best, tenuous, and it is increasingly clear that this display does more to distract from the game than to honour any martial “tradition”.
Rugby is a game defined by principles of strength, integrity, and sportsmanship—qualities that place emphasis on skill, discipline, and a sense of diplomacy between competitors. The “haka”, however, is a farcical and garish performance that disrupts the stoic dignity that should characterise the sport. Far from enhancing the game, it introduces an unnecessary spectacle that stands in contrast to the values of restraint that rugby has long been known for.
Moreover, the All Blacks’ adoption of the “haka” is a spurious one. While it is presented as a celebration of Maori culture, this “tradition” was never inherently tied to the team or the sport in its early years. It is a relatively modern addition, introduced for theatrical effect. In fact, other national teams— one may assume, more secure in their identity— do not demean themselves by taking liberties with similar attention-seeking. They focus on the match itself, respecting the spirit of fair competition across cultures.
Rugby, rooted in a long tradition of measured respect, does not need such performances to showcase the skill and dedication of its athletes. The “haka” only serves to divert attention away from the true spirit of the sport, reducing what should be a dignified affair into a moment of immature and inauthentic narcissism.
We urge the New Zealand Rugby Union to ban the “haka” from the rugby field, restoring the focus to the values of respect, fair play, and good taste that should define this noble sport.
