All Blacks and Highlanders star Malakai Fekitoa receives a warm welcome from Marcus Mostert (9) at Abbotsford School in Dunedin yesterday.
Fekitoa was one of three Highlanders players who visited the school's Room 7 as part of a radio competition. The years 5 and 6 pupils had no idea Fekitoa, Gareth Evans and Shane Christie would be visiting and gasps filled the room when the players arrived.
The pupils welcomed them with a Highlanders chant, shared some of their work and requested photos with the players.
Room 7 was one of three classrooms in Dunedin to win the More FM Highlanders class hijack, where three classes had the chance to hang out with Highlanders players for an hour.
The other winners, St Clair School and Anderson's Bay School classes, were visited by other Highlanders yesterday.
Marcus was excited to get his photo taken with Fekitoa, his favourite player.
Highlanders fan Nathan Hill (10) knew the players' names.
''I'm the biggest fan in the class.''
Fekitoa was a clear favourite among the kids.
''It is pretty cool to come here and make their day,'' he said.
- Bridget Rutherford
