Rugby World Cup on birthday gift list

Naufahu and Sylvia Namoa and son Jayden. Photo / Michael Craig

Kiwi fans of all ages will be glued to their TVs when the All Blacks launch their Rugby World Cup defence but for one of the side's youngest fans - and his parents - the event will be even more special.

Jayden Webb Ellis Namoa will turn 4 on October 24, the day the All Blacks will hopefully be lining up in a World Cup semifinal in front of a sold-out crowd at London's famous Twickenham ground.

Jayden was born less than three hours after Richie McCaw held aloft the Webb Ellis Cup after the All Blacks toppled France in the nail-biting 2011 Rugby World Cup final.

His rugby-mad parents - Naufahu and Sylvia Namoa - gave him the middle names "Webb Ellis" as a permanent reminder of the men in black's stunning triumph.

"He loves his rugby, he wants to play for the All Blacks one day and be able to hold the Webb Ellis Cup himself," proud father Naufahu told the Herald on Sunday.

"It's been a great four years for us as parents, Jayden's a healthy, happy boy and time has really flown by. I can't believe it's almost four years.

"We've still got some great memories of that morning at Middlemore Hospital - and of what happened the night before at Eden Park."

With just six days until England and Fiji kick-off the World Cup at Twickenham in London, Naufahu says the whole family, including Jayden's 7-year-old brother Siokatame, will be getting out of bed early to follow the All Blacks' title defence from their home in Otahuhu, South Auckland.

Naufahu even hopes his son's special milestone will bring the boys in black a bit of good fortune from a living room on the other side of the world, especially in the hoped-for semifinal showdown.

"Hopefully the All Blacks will make it to that game, they might have to play Ireland or France in the quarter-finals, which could be tough," he said.

"We hope it will bring the All Blacks a bit of luck, it would be great if we could celebrate Jayden's birthday and getting to the World Cup final on the same day."