Dave Clark, Designer of Iconic All Blacks Fern, Passes Away: New Zealand Rugby Mourns
- Dave Clark, the celebrated New Zealand designer who created the iconic All Blacks fern in 1986, has passed away peacefully at his home
- Clark’s stylised fern design transformed the All Blacks, Black Ferns, and New Zealand Rugby’s branding, creating a symbol recognised by fans
- Following his death, tributes have poured in from rugby fans, former players, and the design community, highlighting Clark’s profound impact on New Zealand culture
New Zealand is mourning the death of Dave Clark, the designer of the iconic All Blacks fern, who passed away peacefully at his home on 20 January 2026.
Source: Instagram
His passing follows the recent death of another New Zealander and All Blacks legend, Grant Batty, who died on 16 January 2026.
Clark played a pivotal role in shaping rugby culture in New Zealand. In 1986, he was approached by then All Blacks captain Andy Haden to design a stylised fern for the black jersey. The emblem worn by international players had evolved since its first iteration in 1884, and the challenge for Clark was to create a design with a strong, unique identity. His design not only became a symbol of national pride but also allowed the fern to be trademarked, supporting commercial and merchandise opportunities as the sport grew.
Legacy of Dave Clark’s iconic fern
New Zealand Rugby President Matthew Cooper (All Black #887) said that Dave Clark’s design had “stood the test of time” and had become synonymous not just with rugby, but also with New Zealand itself. Cooper added that fans around the world recognised the fern as the symbol of the All Blacks, Black Ferns, and rugby in New Zealand. He said it had inspired countless players who aspired to wear the emblem as the ultimate symbol of representing their country.
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Cooper extended his deepest condolences to Clark’s family, friends, and colleagues, noting that his legacy would live on through New Zealand Rugby and its teams.
Rugby fans have taken to social media to celebrate Clark’s life and contributions:
@TeslaBull:
“Incredible design,it also shows how times have changed. You probably have brand managers and committees now making much more minor decisions for provincial teams.”
@DanTheTrumpMan2:
“A small club to be sure. Banksy, you're up bro.”
@CLCourtney82:
“#RIP The Unique 1.”
@LevyMakwala:
“#RIPDaveClark @AllBlacks, Kiwi Golf Lover.”
@kiwigolfrentals:
“Well done in acknowledging Dave. We met at his studio once and had a long conversation that made me appreciate his contribution to the New Zealand design industry. Sincere condolences to his family.”
Source: Getty Images
Looking ahead, the Springboks are set to make history in the United States as they face New Zealand in the 2026 edition of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry. This tour follows the two sides’ recent encounters during the 2025 Rugby Championship, where New Zealand won the first match 24-17 at Eden Park, before South Africa delivered the All Blacks their heaviest home defeat with a 43-10 victory in Wellington.
Schalk Burger Jr shows off stunning home bar
Briefly News previously reported that Springboks legend Schalk Burger Jnr opened the doors of his Cape Town home and gave rugby fans a glimpse of his stunning home bar.
He conducted a brief tour of his home bar, showing off how he spends his downtime post-retirement.
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Source: Briefly News
