Rugby players and fans have flooded Blake Park to watch and practise with their idols.
Friends Petera Wharepapa-Maxwell, Tātana Wharepapa-Maxwell, Kairangi Brown, and Rangikapua Grace watched as the All Blacks Sevens trained before joining them for a skills and drills event with the Black Ferns Sevens.
The event was open to all to celebrate the teams’ recent successes as they prepare for the Paris Olympics, New Zealand rugby spokesperson Libby Boggs said.
From 11am Wednesday, the Blake Park field was filled with kids of all ages aiming to get the chance to train with the best.
Petera, Tātana, Kairangi and Rangikapua say they are big fans of the All Black Sevens and the Black Ferns Sevens.