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Rugby Craze Grips American Ben Shelton and Canadian Felix Auger Aliassime as They Don New Zealand’s Iconic Colors

Published 01/08/2024, 10:12 AM EST

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Unexpected connections often create the most exciting stories. The blend of tennis finesse and rugby grit is at an all-time high. Rising stars Ben Shelton and Felix Auger Aliassime recently shared an unexpected rendezvous with the New Zealand Rugby Team. They documented most of it exclusively on Instagram. In a fusion of racquets and tackles, the stars offered fans a behind-the-scenes peek. 

As they swap their tennis gear for rugby jerseys, Shelton and Auger Aliassime dove into a world where backhands meet tries. Consequently, the Instagram post and its caption by Auger Aliassime perfectly captured the whole experience.

Ben Shelton and Felix Auger Aliassime meet the All Blacks 

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Something extraordinary unfolded when Shelton and Auger Aliassime stepped into the world of the New Zealand Rugby Team. This unexpected union caught the attention of the fans as Auger Aliassime’s Instagram caption provided the first glimpse into their exhilarating adventure. 

He wrote: “Haven’t mastered the haka yet but we’re happy to join the team… Amazing visit at the All Blacks experience today🖤.” In this cryptic yet intriguing message, Felix Auger Aliassime hinted at their initiation into the traditions of the formidable All Blacks.

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The caption perfectly encapsulated the stars’ willingness to embrace the essence of the All Blacks. It even acknowledged their ongoing journey to master the famed ‘haka’. For those who aren’t aware, it’s a traditional Maori dance synonymous with the team’s pre-game ritual. 

As the Instagram post unfolded, viewers were treated to many behind-the-scenes peek at the All Blacks experience. It is clear that as of now, Shelton and Auger Aliassime are navigating the world of Rugby with excitement. What else is there to be really excited about? You guessed it right, it is the Australian Open of course. 

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Ben Shelton and his upcoming challenge of the Australian Open 

Amidst the tackles and haka initiation, Ben Shelton, the American prodigy will have to embrace a crucial challenge. As the Australian Open looms on the horizon, Shelton finds himself gearing up for tennis’s grand stage.

Shelton remarkably broke into the ATP top 20 in 2023. In the wake of an unforgettable feat by Shelton, he will have to prove himself further this season. In December 2023, Ben Shelton even showcased his AO excitement, he said, “No, I’m really excited. I feel like the crowds bring a lot of energy. I’ve never been to Brisbane before. Every other place in Australia, the crowds have been really rowdy. That’s an environment I really enjoy.”

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It is quite evident that the American sensation is fueled by his recent ATP triumphs. Whether he’ll continue that narrative or not is another story. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments. 

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Written by:

Charrvi Singh

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One take at a time

Ever since Naomi Osaka?s infamous withdrawal from the tennis circuit in the 2021 French Open, I have been enamored by tennis stars and their psyche. With a background in psychology, I am interested in delving into the minds of the sport's biggest stars while keeping my readers informed about the latest developments in the tennis world. At EssentiallySports, I focus on stories that dive beyond the sport and focus on the personal lives of the biggest tennis stars.
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Edited by:

Shudh.mukherjee