From:World Rugby Museum
Name/TitleToy
About this objectThis particular 'Dog' was adopted as a mascot by the New Zealand team for three seasons. According to Adrian Hill, the first time the mascot was adopted was for the New Zealand to England & Scotland tour in 1983 and the last time it was used was during the last New Zealand home test in 1985. 'Dog' was removed as mascot due to a letter Murray Ball ('Dog's' designer) wrote to the New Zealand Rugby Football Union. 'Dog' was intended to be used in the 1985 tour to South Africa which was shortly after cancelled. Ball had been supporting the Anti-Apartheid cause for some time and may have been affected sufficiently by Anti-Apartheid protests during the 1981 South Africa to New Zealand tour to not wish to be associated with New Zealand rugby again.
MakerBall, Murray (Designer) Harrisons (Manufacturer)
Date MadeLate 1970s
Measurements640 x 370 x 760mm (25 3/16 x 14 9/16 x 29 15/16")
Object TypeToy
Object number2006/383
Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved
