'Black Cocks' at Games

2006-03-20 17:48

Melbourne - New Zealand have the All Blacks, the Tall Blacks and now the Black Cocks.

That's the unofficial name the Kiwis have given their badminton team at the Commonwealth Games.

T-shirts bearing the logo 'Black Cocks: Expect Big Things' and caps with an equally subtle 'Not a Soft Option' have been displayed by players' parents, siblings and friends at the Melbourne exhibition centre.

The nickname was coined last year after the shuttlecock, but it was too risque for Badminton New Zealand who decided not to adopt the name officially.

But the team was keen and it has stuck, with an official clothing manufacturer getting on board.

"It's certainly quite interesting wearing them through Melbourne town. We've had a really good reaction from people and I think we could make some money out of it," said doubles player John Gordon.

Mixed doubles player Sara Runesten said: "The shirts are awesome and it's great to have so many supporters over here wearing them."

- SAPA