Marist U6s get big chance at Cake Tin

The mighty Marist under-6 rugby team are set for the thrill of a lifetime this Sunday.

They will strut their stuff before thousands at Westpac Stadium during the halftime break in the Wellington v Southland ITM Cup match.

Their appearance comes after Stephen Griffin, who coaches the side alongside Rob Baker and Glen Hart, made the initial contact with the Wellington union.

"This group of boys have accumulated a skill set well beyond their years," Griffin told the Times-Age yesterday.

"I thought playing at the Cake Tin would give them the opportunity to show their skills off and give them and their parents memories of a lifetime. Some of the boys will probably not remember this game as the years go on but the photos will be in their scrapbooks forever."

Consisting of 17 kids, some just 3 and 4 years old, the Marist under-6s fielded one team in their rippa rugby competition at the start of the season but their growing numbers saw them divided into two teams within the first few weeks.

Not only have they made a big impression on the field of play with a success rate of about 80 per cent but they have also shown a willingness to learn, with the vast majority regularly attending practice sessions.

Ten players will participate in this Sunday's match, which will be against their counterparts from the Newlands club.