All Blacks claim prestigious Spanish sports award

The All Blacks have won Spain's prestigious Princess of Asturias Award for Sport.

"They have enjoyed extraordinary sporting successes and reflect great values such as solidarity and sportsmanship," said a statement from the jury, who chose between 24 nominations.

Jury president Abel Anton was full of praise for the achievements of the All Blacks.

"They represent a shining example of racial and cultural integration which has helped drive New Zealanders of different origin, symbolised by the haka tribal dance, showing the bond with their roots and ancestral heritage," he said.

The winners are usually presented with the award in October.

Spanish triathlete Javier Gomez Nova won the sports award last year