Video: All Blacks leave London to start journey home

Richie McCaw (Getty Images)

The All Blacks have departed from Heathrow Airport in London as they begin their journey home after defending their Rugby World Cup title.

The team bus was greeted by hundreds of supporters, who took one last chance to nab photos of their heroes as they walked through the airport.

Retiring veteran hooker Keven Mealamu carried the William Webb Ellis trophy through the airport terminal.

The All Blacks will stop over in Los Angeles, before arriving back in Auckland on Wednesday morning on the all-black Boeing 777-300.

Aucklanders will get the chance to celebrate with the team at Victoria Park in downtown Auckland at midday.

Homecoming events are also planned in Christchurch with a street parade and reception at Hagley Park on Thursday, before the team will visit Wellington on Thursday.

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