All Blacks Stars Inspire Young Rugby Players at Poneke Rugby Club

Wellington rugby fans had a unique opportunity to learn from some of the country's top players, as All Blacks stars Ollie Norris, Rieko Ioane, and George Bower visited the Poneke Rugby Club on Friday. The visit was part of the Wellington Rugby Holiday Programme, where the players participated in a skills-and-drills session with young athletes.

During the event, the All Blacks engaged with the kids, who were mostly in the U13 age group. George Bower, a prop for the All Blacks, shared his thoughts on the talent he saw. "You see a lot of raw talent out there," he said. "All it needs is to be coached and cared for, and you'll see it start to develop as they get into high school."

The session was not just about training; it also included a Q&A with the players. When asked about their early rugby careers, Bower and Ioane admitted they weren't the stars of their youth teams. Norris said he didn't win many Player of the Day awards, adding humor to the conversation. When asked about their Plan B if rugby didn't work out, Bower joked about becoming a teacher, while Norris mentioned considering joining the police force after retiring.

The visit also had a charitable aspect. The All Blacks donated sports equipment to two students, Astyn Meredith-Turuwhenua and RJ So'oialo, who were raising funds to replace stolen sports equipment from Cannons Creek School. The players presented a signed shirt and sports gear, which the students said was a memorable experience.

"It was awesome, pretty cool, seeing Rieko Ioane, because I look up to him," So'oialo said. "I want to be like him when I'm older, so it's quite cool seeing him." Meredith-Turuwhenua expressed her excitement about receiving the donation, calling it a privilege to meet the All Blacks.

As the session wrapped up, the players left a lasting impression on the young athletes. Their presence not only inspired the kids but also highlighted the importance of mentorship and community involvement in sports.