Both were on the cards for the scores of young participants in the Easter egg hunt hosted by the team yesterday morning.
Children were given a treasure map and Highlanders flag on arrival with spaces for autographs from the whole team, who were hidden throughout the garden.
Rather than hunting for eggs, children searched for their favourite players, gathering autographs from all those they found.
They could then show their completed autograph sheets back at the park entrance to claim the bounty of a free Easter egg.
"It’s always great to get out and connect with fans, especially on a nice sunny morning like this and it being Easter."
While children had been excited to meet the players, he was under no illusions that they were the only attraction on offer.
"I think the incentive of a few Easter eggs in there as well has kind of raised their spirits. I think they are having a great time."
However, he thought the team had some work to do before it could crack into the Easter chocolate.
"If we win tomorrow maybe, why not?"
They had been keen to put on an event that allowed fans to access the team after recent Covid-19 restrictions had caused a separation between the groups.
"We just really wanted to do something on Good Friday that was really accessible to everybody ... and the boys are just pumped to be able to interact with people.
"These guys thrive off their fans and seeing so many kids here in Highlanders jerseys, it really reminds them how special they are to the community."
The Highlanders play the Hurricanes in their Super Rugby Pacific match at Forsyth Barr Stadium tonight at 7.05pm.
