David Raikuna, left, and Pauliasi Manu run drills for the youngsters yesterday. Photo / Richard Robinson
A team of young Auckland rugby players were yesterday treated to a few tips from their sporting heroes.
Members of the North Shore Marist J 3 Raptors team took a break from their school holidays for a special training session with the Blues.
The team, made up of 10- and 11-year-olds, found out last Thursday about the training session.
"There were 13 [boys] from our team," said coach Paul Brophy.
"And then we had a couple of older brothers who tagged along - which was great.
"For many of them, it was the chance of a lifetime," he said.
Mr Brophy, whose son Troy plays second-five in the team, said it was great to see his players being put through drills by their rugby heroes.
"They all got to meet the All Blacks and players they see on TV.
"Piri Weepu was definitely a crowd favourite. He took the longest to come out of the showers but they all waited round to get his autograph."
The team of youngsters have so far had a stellar season, winning nine of their 10 games.
"We've got four more games to go ... then we go into the knockout round," Mr Brophy said.
The Tauranga Diwali Festival is running until 8pm tonight.