All Blacks: Kaeo at gridlock for visiting ABs

Sonny Bill Williams, Piri Weepu and Tony Woodcock visited Kaeo today. Photo / Getty Images

More than 1000 people turned out in Kaeo today to see All Blacks Sonny Bill Williams, Tony Woodcock and Piri Weepu in person.

Gridlock was a rare sight in Kaeo's Main St as the All Blacks were paraded on the back of a ute past shops decorated with banners and balloons.

After a welcome at Kaeo Rugby Club, the three refereed junior rugby games, with Williams in particular looming over his charges.

School children were bused in from around the Far North and there were at times chaotic scenes as they mobbed their heroes.

Hamish Ruawai, principal of Kaikohe West School, watched his Year 5 and 6 rugby sides be refereed by Weepu.

He said that it was special particularly as it is so close to the Rugby World Cup.

"The kids loved it ... a lot of our kids probably won't go to the World Cup so seeing those players here makes a big difference."

The three players were among groups of All Blacsk who visited 11 towns, from Kaeo to Winton, before assembling for the Rugby World Cup.