The All Blacks have confirmed they'll adhere to a request from World Rugby that tattoos are covered when in public during next year's Rugby World Cup in Japan to avoid offending locals.
Exactly a year out from the start of the tournament, the sport's global governing body has warned teams and their supporters against displaying tattoos, due to their association to the Yakuza, the Japanese mafia.
New Zealand Rugby chief rugby officer Nigel Cass said the side always respects local cultures when on tour and they would do exactly that when they head to Japan.
"When any of our teams tour, we endeavour to be respectful of the local customs and culture, and this will be no different when we visit Japan, both this year and next year," Cass told Stuff.
Rugby World Cup head Alan Gilpin said players would be expected to wear rash vests when swimming in a public pool or using gyms.
"We will make [Japanese] people aware around the facilities that players will use that people with tattoos in a Rugby World Cup context are not part of the Yakuza," he said.
"We have done a lot in the last year or so with the teams to get them to understand that. When we raised it with the teams a year or so ago, we were probably expecting a frustrated reaction from them, but there hasn't been at all.
"That is a great tribute to the sport itself and to the rugby players themselves. They all also buy into the idea of putting on a rash vest in the pool or in a gym, as they want to respect the Japanese culture."
A significant number of All Blacks players sport tattoos, including Sonny Bill Williams, Aaron Smith and Codie Taylor.
Next year's tournament begins on September 20, with a match between hosts Japan and Russia at Tokyo Stadium.
The All Blacks will look to become the first team to win three consecutive titles.
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