Meet your rugby heroes, kids - but no autographs

School students and VIPs invited to a Government reception for the All Blacks and the Springboks have been warned not to pester the sporting stars for autographs or photos.

Sport Minister Trevor Mallard is hosting the invitation-only reception in Parliament's banquet hall on Wednesday.

The 400-strong guest list is a who's who of politics - including Prime Minister Helen Clark, National leader Don Brash, Speaker Margaret Wilson, plus Cabinet ministers, overseas diplomats and local mayors.

First XV captains and coaches from about 30 Wellington secondary schools have also been invited.

But the disappointed teens will be denied souvenirs from their sporting heroes - the invitation sternly warns guests, in bold print, "no autographs or photographs to be sought".

Mr Mallard said the ban on autographs and photos was not unusual, and was imposed so the players could enjoy the function and "to maximise the opportunity for other invited guests to mix and mingle with them".

"These are not little kids," he said. "They are 1st XV captains and most are sure to be more interested in having a serious rugby discussion with the All Blacks not interrupted by autograph hunters."

New Zealand and South Africa have their first Tri-Nations meeting this year in the capital on Saturday.

All Black management is playing down the ban, saying the players are generally accessible for photographs and autographs at other times. "Parliamentary functions are a formal event, we respect the etiquette established by our hosts."

Former All Black prop Richard Loe also backed the Minister's stance, saying an official government function was the wrong arena for running around with jerseys or other paraphernalia to get signed.

But he agreed it was a difficult situation, and said if a guest had chatted with a player for a few minutes, there would be little harm in asking them for a signature.

"If a politician sees a couple of players that he wants a photo with, I bet you he wouldn't be backwards in coming forwards."

All Black No 10 Daniel Carter said last year: "When I do go out there are people asking for autographs and photos - but I don't mind, it's all part of the territory.

"It only takes 10 seconds to make someone's day."

Craig Lewis, a sports psychologist with Sport Life NZ, said young rugby players idolised the All Blacks and getting an autograph would be a big deal.

Having a signed shirt physically proves a link with players that they are "benchmarking off" and aspire to be like. Young players' motivation was different to that of autograph hunters looking for financial gain, said Lewis.

"It proves a connection," said Lewis, who travels as performance coach with the Kiwis rugby league team. "These are people they really look up to," he said.