As of 26 October 2024[update], 1223 players have played rugby union for New Zealand's national team, known since 1905 as the All Blacks.
The first New Zealand representative match was played in May 1884 against a Wellington XV before the New Zealand team departed for their tour of New South Wales.
[1] This side predates the formation of the New Zealand Rugby Football Union (now New Zealand Rugby), which was not established until 1892.
Still, it is nevertheless recognized as the first official New Zealand team.
[2] The first side contained fifteen players whose playing order as All Blacks have been determined alphabetically.