The Dutch rugby player Fabian Holland has made his debut for the New Zealand national team. The rugby player, born in Akersloot, did so in a test match against France, which the ‘All Blacks’ won 31-27.
The 22-year-old Holland participated in the entire match and was involved in several tries. The 2.04 meter tall North Hollander also showed himself in the so-called line-outs.
With his debut for three-time world champion New Zealand, a childhood dream has come true for Holland. He became fascinated with rugby at the age of five after seeing the ‘All Blacks’ on YouTube.
Eleven years later, Holland packed his bags to study at a high school in the New Zealand city of Christchurch. That school also included New Zealand rugby legends Dan Carter and Brodie Retallick.
Initially, Holland was supposed to stay in New Zealand for six months to develop his game, but the rugby player would never leave the country after that. He moved to the city of Dunedin to start a professional career with The Highlanders. Because he had lived in New Zealand for five years, he became eligible for the ‘All Blacks’.
New Zealand is one of the most successful rugby countries of all time. Only South Africa (4) has become world champion more often. Prior to matches, New Zealand always does the haka, a traditional ceremonial dance of the Maori.