ENGLAND'S participation in the Rugby World Cup may have come to a premature conclusion, but the region's involvement is still very much alive and kicking.

Defending rugby world champions, the mighty All Blacks have been causing a stir in Darlington this week, as they have based themselves in the town ahead of their match against Tonga, in Newcastle, on Friday.

Bunting and banners welcoming the New Zealand squad have been spotted flying from lamp-posts and shop windows have been decked out in Kiwi colours.

Sightings – both rumoured and confirmed – of All Blacks squad members out and about in the community, have been reported to The Northern Echo offices on a daily basis.

Thousands of people are set to attend a much-anticipated open coaching session, featuring 16 squad members, at the home of Darlington Mowden Park rugby club, on Thursday (October 8) morning.

All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen has been impressed with the facilities at Mowden, branding them the best his players have had the opportunity to train at.

He said: "The ground is like playing in a Test venue on its own. The pitch has been superb, and the club has been great in the way that they’ve supported us.

"The people in the hotel have been first class, and we can’t thank them enough.

"It’s been great getting up here and we’re looking forward to moving into Newcastle city itself and having the opportunity to meet the people there as well.

“I was lucky enough to come through when we did the recce for St James’ Park and got a good tour around the place. It’s a fantastic stadium.

"It’s steeped in history with guys like Keegan, Shearer and Beardsley.

"They’re a fantastic football club, and the supporters from Newcastle are well known throughout the world."

Journalist Toby Robson, from New Zealand-based website Stuff, is following the All Blacks' progress in the tournament.

Impressed by the level of interest in the planned open coaching event, he said: "You wouldn't get 5,000 people for an All Blacks training event in New Zealand.

"From what we have seen in our short time here, it's clear rugby is in a very healthy state in Darlington."

Lifelong All Blacks fan Sally Johnson, manager of the Scope store in Darlington town centre, has gone all out to welcome her heroes.

The 53-year-old, who relocated from New Zealand to Darlington as a child, has filled the window of her store with flags, rugby shirts and balls.

She said: “I’ve lived in the Darlington for over 40 years but I’m a true Kiwi at heart.

"I’ve followed the All Blacks since I was a child.

"Sonny Bill Williams is my idol; I’d give my right arm to meet him.

“I never imagined the All Blacks would be hear in Darlington so I really wanted to do something to show my support."