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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Harry Latham-Coyle

Why do New Zealand do the haka and what do the words mean in English?

Getty Images

The haka is one of rugby’s best known traditions, with the ceremonial Maori dance performed pre-match by New Zealand rugby sides before international fixtures.

Haka were traditionally performed for a variety of social occasions and functions by the Maori, the indigenous population of the country, to represent a display of a tribe’s pride, strength and unity.

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