They recognise people, clubs and communities for their dedicated contribution to the official sport of the country.
New Zealand Rugby general manager of rugby Neil Sorensen said the All Blacks enjoyed visiting places they might not have been to before and meeting people from different areas of the country, particularly when they shared a love for the game.
"This year, we're rewarding, people, teams and clubs that have helped grow rugby. Every All Black knows they wouldn't be in their black jersey today without the dedication of people like those we're visiting," Sorensen said before the trips.
The Eskview visit was a closed event, for invited guests only.
The club's senior second division men's team, who won only one game in their competition last year, bounced back against the odds to lift the silverware this year. It was their first victory in 50 years.
Club stalwart Doug Somerville, father of former All Black prop Greg, saluted NZR for deeming it fit to promote a small community-based club like Eskview.
While Eskview has been financially sound, it has grappled with its "human resources" demons.
Relatives of members of the club had responded with aplomb last year when they heard the club was in strife, spurring the senior team to creating history and pledging their support to return to defend their crown next season.
Bennett, who helped with catering yesterday, said the All Blacks presented a jersey to the club which would no doubt have pride of place at the clubrooms.
"The juniors then presented each All Black with Eskview senior shirts," she said, adding a sausage sizzle followed. "We're absolutely stoked they chose us for a visit."
Eskview coach Fraser said he would return to coach the senior men again next year.
"The boys won't let me give it away," said the former assistant Wairarapa Bush coach (1994-95) who was at the helm of Porangahau Rugby Club for several years and mentored Stokes Valley in Wellington before that.
"Success falls into your lap when you have some success," he said of yesterday's occasion, thanking his assistants, Peter Winter and Les Simonsen.
Fraser said he had no magical blueprint at the start of the campaign this year but simply rolled up his sleeves, as most people did at small community clubs, to help out "so we were very lucky to get to where we did".
"We're just a country club, so we have fun and good comradeship to enjoy ourselves, which is a big part of rugby."
He echoed the sentiments of Somerville, appreciative of the Hawke's Bay Rugby Football Union for allocating Super Rugby forward Ross Filipo to the club, even though his appearances for Eskview would be limited.
"If he wants game time, we'll be more than happy to use him but I wouldn't mind using him in a coaching capacity as well."
Fraser said he had never met former Petone and Wellington Lions player Filipo but was keen to do so when the season resumed next year.
"Without a doubt he'll be an experienced member to us. He can only be of benefit to the club."
A couple's special commitment to junior rugby in Palmy, where Bay-born Israel Dagg visited, and some dedicated girls' rippa teams from Rolleston and Waihora in Canterbury also had visits.
