Fans will be able to welcome back the All Blacks at homecoming celebrations in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington this week.

After 12 years with the All Blacks and the past four as coach, Steve Hansen can see the finishing line after the 2017 visit from the Lions.

The All Blacks' Rugby World Cup victory and a royal visit could have a bearing on the upcoming flag referendum, an expert says.

When Rugby World Cup organisers were plotting the event, they always wanted to believe the Webb Ellis Cup would end up at Pennyhill Park.

Questions are already being asked about the All Blacks' readiness for next year.

It was mid-morning back home in New Zealand when Dan Carter returned to his hotel room.

Despite an imminent overhaul of coaching staff and players, there is a firm belief success will continue for the All Blacks.

Nehe Milner-Skudder won breakthrough player of the year and the All Blacks won team of year - but there was one upset at the World Rugby awards.

All Black touched the world when he gave away his medal to young fan who was tackled by guard.

Sonny Bill Williams deserves to be recognised for the contributions he has made on and off the field, writes Patrick McKendry.

After the pool matches, Richie McCaw, Jerome Kaino and Kieran Read had a meeting and decided to give themselves a challenge.

"Right now it's just great being able to walk around with loose shoulders and a grin on your face."

All Black's voice was a little croaky but his mind clear: he's not keen on being around for Japan 2019.

It was maybe always going to end like this - the two greatest All Blacks of this age taking control of the World Cup final.

He was born at halftime during the All Blacks' epic World Cup clash against the Wallabies and is named after the world's best first five-eighth.

Rugby royalty are due to arrive in New Zealand on the same day as another royal party - Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla.

He's just won the World Cup, but Dan Carter won't get a minute's rest this month.

A decision should be made today on when a public parade to welcome home the victorious All Blacks will be held.

The way Steve Hansen and the All Blacks have performed provides a shining example for the business world.

The All Blacks well and truly wrote the final chapter in a fairytale for Richie McCaw, Dan Carter and the other retiring New Zealand rugby legends.

COMMENT: That was a one sided World Cup final where the truth about world rugby got twisted by a sin binning, writes Chris Rattue.

Police say they were pleased with the behaviour of rugby fans this morning despite one incident which left a man in critical condition.

All Blacks fans are selling memorabilia on TradeMe, with charity auctions selling a signed jersey and even a teacup autographed by Richie McCaw.

The departing Ma'a Nonu deserves to be honoured as the All Blacks' player of the year, writes Wynne Gray.

There's one happy punter in New Zealand - and one very unhappy one - after the All Blacks' World Cup win.

It was in early 2012 when the All Blacks set themselves the goal they achieved with a win over the Wallabies today.

Dan Carter's performance was the stuff of fairytales - and no one who had the privilege of being there is likely to forget it.

The victorious All Blacks will be welcomed home with a trio of parades this week.