The Prime Minister says hosting the Rugby World Cup's squad announcement at Parliament wasn't about politicians wanting to rub shoulders with All Blacks.
Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
The 31 players were flown to Wellington and the squad named at the Grand Hall yesterday.
John Key told Morning Report that New Zealand Rugby asked the Government to sponsor the announcement, and the occasion did not politicise the sport.
"Parliament is the House of Representatives and it represents every New Zealander, and the All Blacks are admired by every New Zealander. So I think it's appropriate, it's what they wanted, to mark the significance of a team that is hopefully going out to win back-to-back World Cups."
