American couple Michael and Jennifer Sigler have no New Zealand connections, but are among the All Blacks' most dedicated fans. Photo/Supplied.
American couple Michael and Jennifer Sigler have no New Zealand connections, but are among the All Blacks' most dedicated fans. Photo/Supplied.
American newlyweds Michael and Jennifer Sigler are among the All Blacks' biggest fans - despite having never set foot in New Zealand until this week.
The couple love the men in black, and the country they represent, so much they themed their wedding on New Zealand and its national rugby team.
There was no question where their honeymoon would take place, and what would be the highlight - attending the All Blacks' Bledisloe Cup battle against Australia at Eden Park on Saturday.
American couple Michael and Jennifer Sigler love the All Blacks so much they had an All Black/NZ themed wedding. Photo/Supplied
So how did a young couple from the American Midwest, and with no New Zealand connections, come to include Fortress Eden Park in their honeymoon plans?
It started as an act of rebellion, and was solidified by the dazzling power and skill of a young Jonah Lomu, 30-year-old Michael Sigler told the Herald on Sunday.
"I blame my mother for my obsession with New Zealand. She had a penpal from Australia and she tried to foster in her kids the same love for Australia that she had. But me being 7 or 8 years old and a rebel at heart I thought 'no, no, I'm New Zealand'. It started as a joke but has become an obsession.
"And once you start loving New Zealand, you start loving the All Blacks."
Diehard American All Blacks' fan Michael Sigler, centre, meets All Blacks Conrad Smith, left, and Dane Coles in Chicago last year. Photo/Supplied
The moment he knew there was no turning back was when he saw highlights on ESPN of the late Lomu's rampaging runs during the 1995 Rugby World Cup, Michael Sigler, who wore All Blacks socks to his wedding, said.
The couple live near Chicago and his wife was a fan of the city's football team, The Bears, but hadn't watched a Bears game for about three years.
She, too, has turned All Black.
A 3am date to watch the All Blacks' nail-biting Rugby World Cup triumph against France in 2011 was the moment she realised she was also hooked on the team, Jennifer Sigler said.
Her admiration was further earned when the All Blacks played the United States' Eagles in Chicago last year.
The superfans were ecstatic when they heard the team were coming to the United States, she said.
"We had previously taken a road trip to Toronto to see the Maori All Blacks play, because we never thought the All Blacks would come here."
Sonny Bill Williams was one of the All Blacks Jennifer Sigler met when the All Blacks were in Chicago last year. Photo/Supplied.
Michael Sigler said watching an All Blacks test live for the first time last year was "mind-blowing", but what was even more special was the opportunity to meet all the players and support staff during the team's time in Chicago.
At one point he spotted All Blacks Ryan Crotty and Victor Vito at a promotional event on the other side of a busy road.
"I ran across six lanes of traffic to meet them. They were very surprised. Everyone was so blown away that we are not Kiwis or related to Kiwis."
All Blacks' superfans Michael and Jennifer Sigler with All Blacks Ryan Crotty, left, and Victor Vito, right, in Chicago last year. Photo/Supplied.
The couple return to Chicago a few days after Saturday's test, but will, of course, be in the crowd when both the Maori All Blacks and the All Blacks play in the city next month.
But could the couple enjoy future matches on this side of the planet?
It's possible.
One day into their dream New Zealand holiday, Michael Sigler was already talking about emigrating.
"I love it ... I didn't know greens could be so green and blues could be so blue."
