\u201cThe best part of these trips is always getting around the clubs, spending time with the tamariki, hearing their stories, and hopefully passing on a few learnings from my own journey.<\/p>\n
\u201cCatching up with the lads is choice, but giving back to regions like Taranaki, who live and breathe the game, makes it all feel full circle. That\u2019s the real essence of the Classics for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
The big match will be played on Anzac Day 2026.<\/p>\n
The match will be played at Stadium Taranaki, with an afternoon kick-off time of 2.35pm. It will be screened live on TVNZ.<\/p>\n
It follows the success of The Classics\u2019 clashes with Steelform Whanganui and the Pasifika Legends this year.<\/p>\n
Over the years, the Classics jersey has been worn by former All Blacks including Jerry Collins, Jeff Wilson, Jonah Lomu, Andrew Mehrtens, Justin Marshall, Stephen Donald, Rico and Hosea Gear, Conrad Smith, Piri Weepu, Corey Flynn, Troy Flavell, Jamie Joseph, and Scott \u201cRazor\u201d Robertson, among many others.<\/p>\n
Fans can expect to see a host of former All Black stars (including Milner-Skudder, Jason Eaton and Chris Masoe) take on Australian greats, including Radike Samo, Cliffy Palu and Andrew Walker.<\/p>\n
Campese said: \u201cRivalry and camaraderie \u2013 that\u2019s the Anzac spirit in a nutshell. We\u2019ll come to Taranaki to play hard and have fun, just like the old days.\u201d <\/p>\n
The Classics patron, former All Black captain Sean Fitzpatrick, said: \u201cThe Classics represent everything that is good about our game \u2013 connection, loyalty, community and mateship. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey give former players a meaningful way to stay involved and continue contributing, and that matters enormously.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Classics \u2013 formerly known as The Classic All Blacks \u2013 were founded 38 years ago by former All Black Andy Haden to help players stay connected beyond their playing careers and to bring rugby back to grassroots communities.<\/p>\n
The team has played across the globe at venues including Wanda Stadium, Madrid (v Spain), Prince Chichibu Stadium, Tokyo (v Japan), ANZ Stadium, Suva (v Fiji), Ballymore, Australia (v Classic Wallabies), Welford Road, Leicester (v Leicester Tigers), and Stade Mayol, Toulon (v RC Toulon). <\/p>\n
Fitzpatrick said he was proud to support Haden\u2019s adult children, Chris and Laura, in continuing to build their father\u2019s vision.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Classics were built on the idea that once a player hangs up their boots, their story doesn\u2019t end \u2013 it continues through connection, community and the love of the game,” said The Classics manager Chris Haden.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll things that we know we\u2019ll find in spades when we come to Taranaki next year.\u201d<\/p>\n
The match is also being supported by Venture Taranaki and New Plymouth Event Venues. New Plymouth District Mayor Max Brough said Taranaki boasted world-class facilities and a passionate sporting community.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe love our rugby here, and we\u2019ve seen some great clashes over the years. Having some of the game\u2019s legends from here and across the ditch for an Anzac Day showdown will be a real treat for fans, and who knows, maybe we can regularise a classic Bledisloe fixture.\u201d <\/p>\n
More names will be announced in the weeks and months leading up to kick-off.<\/p>\n