All Blacks told to cover up tattoos

A banner welcomes the All Blacks to their training venue. Photo / Getty Images

Their array of body ink is verging on legendary, but the All Blacks rugby players have discovered their extensive tattoos aren't so well received in Japan this week.

The All Blacks' pool sessions in Tokyo have revealed the quirky sight of most players in the 33-man squad wearing their techfit training vests to cover their arms and torsos, complete with swimming caps.

It's a mark of respect to Japanese culture which frowns upon the displaying of tattoos, which traditionally associates a person with the yakuza, or Japanese mafia, who are heavily tattooed.

The All Blacks were quietly tipped off about the cultural requirements before they took to the water for the first time here on Monday.

"Most people know that when you go to the pool in Japan you have to cover up. The players were reminded when we arrived," a team spokesman said.

Some onsen, or Japanese public baths, still refuse people entry if they have visible tattoos, while others require visitors to cover their inkwork with bandages.

The latter have been an onerous task for the likes of Wellington schoolboy mates Ma'a Nonu and Neemia Tialata who each have a large image of the crucifixion inked on their backs, and other tattoos on their arms.

Nonu explained earlier this year they were a sign of respect for his family and where he grew up, and "a reminder to stay humble".

Jerome Kaino has a tattoo which was inked over several three-hour sessions, starting on his shoulder then snaking down his rib cage. It was a special design from his family's village in American Samoa.

- NZPA