Rugby World Cup 2015: New Zealand - thanks for your support

Steve Hansen, Head Coach All Blacks and Steve Tew, CEO New Zealand Rugby. Photos / Brett Phibbs, Nick Reed

The All Blacks have thanked the country which backed them wholeheartedly on the world's rugby stage and then welcomed them home as sons. In a letter sent to the Herald, head coach Steve Hansen and NZ Rugby Union chief Steve Tew said the support had humbled the team.

The thank you letter:

The All Blacks and all of us at New Zealand Rugby have been deeply humbled by the huge support we have enjoyed since returning home. To see such joy on the faces of tens of thousands of Kiwis, young and old, will live long in all our memories.

At every step along the way over the past few months, in the messages we received directly as a team, in the videos and other posts on social media, to the roar of support we heard in the stands at Twickenham and elsewhere, it was heartening to know there was such a strong team of All Blacks fans right behind us.

We are very proud to once again be World Champions and look forward to sharing the Webb Ellis Cup with as many of you as possible.

So from all of us at the All Blacks and at New Zealand Rugby, a big thank you.

- Steve Hansen, Head Coach All Blacks and Steve Tew, CEO New Zealand Rugby