Ryan Fox repays All Blacks gesture with beers from the Claret Jug

Tuesday, 28 July 2026

Ryan Fox returned the gesture after the All Blacks let him drink from the Bledisloe Cup last year, taking his British Open trophy to their camp and giving the squad a chance to celebrate with a beer from the Claret Jug.

Last year, Ryan Fox had the privilege of drinking from the Bledisloe Cup after receiving an invitation to watch the All Blacks face Australia at Eden Park.

On Monday, he was able to return the gesture after arriving back in New Zealand last week following his incredible British Open triumph.

Speaking at a media opportunity at Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club, the son of former All Blacks first-five Grant Fox revealed he made a special visit to the All Blacks camp, giving the squad the chance to drink beer from the Claret Jug.

“I got to drink out of the Bledisloe Cup after they won it at Eden Park, so I thought it was only fitting to pour some beers in it,” Fox said.

“I did forget that when you pour beer in it, it fizzes everywhere. We were just dumping red wine in it on Sunday night and not really worrying about it, so I got a little bit excited and it overflowed with the froth of the beer.

“The boys were really excited but obviously no one went crazy with it. They’ve got a pretty big job to do, but I don’t think management were going to have an issue with them having a sip out of it.”

Given his family’s deep rugby ties, Fox said the opportunity to visit the All Blacks camp was a special one.

The 44-man squad is in Auckland preparing for a demanding tour of South Africa, where they will face the Springboks and four United Rugby Championship sides.

Ryan Fox kisses the Claret Jug trophy after winning the British Open.

“Obviously with my family history, the All Blacks are a huge thing and I’m still a rugby fan,” he said.

“To be able to go there and chat to them socially, but also get up and do a Q&A with Jordie Barrett and be a part of it, was cool. It was nice to wish them well.”

Fox also had one request for the All Blacks before they head to South Africa. His caddie Dean Smith is South African, as are some of his closest friends on the PGA Tour, so he wants the All Blacks to give him some “ammo” by beating the Springboks.

It would also help him avoid a repeat of one of his more embarrassing moments, having once been forced to wear a Springboks jersey at an event in South Africa after losing a bet.

“I’ll be following them intently over the next few weeks,” he said.