Gisborne girl on the 'ball kid' roster for Chiefs Manawa squad

Charlotte, Justin and mum Laurelle are pictured with Holmes at the match. Picture supplied

The No.1 fan of Black Ferns star Renee Holmes, 10-year-old Gisborne girl Charlotte Moore, has been added to the “ball kid” roster for the Chiefs Manawa squad and she worked her first game last weekend when Manawa took on the Hurricanes Poua in Hamilton in the opening weekend of Super Rugby Aupiki.

“It was a dream come true for her because Charlotte has always wanted to run the ball for her favourite player Renee Holmes,” said her dad Justin.

Charlotte and her father have season tickets to the Chiefs’ games.

The youngster plays rugby for OBM and Mangapapa School, which is where Holmes started her rugby career.

“She lives and breathes rugby, practising any moment she can,” Justin said. Charlotte’s bedroom room is a shrine to Holmes.

It contains several items the Black Fern has given to her. The Chiefs Manawa started the 2024 season in style with a 46-24 bonus-point win — Holmes kicking four conversions and a penalty.