A Wanaka boy's note to All Black Ben Smith ended in hundreds of fans, young and old, attending an early morning training season with the star in Wanaka yesterday.
On Saturday Kade Lawrie (7), of Wanaka, dropped a note in the mailbox of Smith's holiday home asking: "Would you like to come and teach us some rugby skills?''
Smith responded on the Upper Clutha Trading Post community Facebook group by posting a photo of the note, along with an invitation saying "Hey, just got this message from some kids along the road. I'll be down at the rugby fields in Wanaka at 8.30am tomorrow.
"If any kids want to come down and chuck a rugby ball around and help me with my training they are welcome.''
Smith's message quickly spread on social media.
Yesterday a crowd of 50 people had arrived at the Wanaka rugby field by 8am.
Smith spent an hour throwing rugby balls around with a group of about 30 children.
His young training team were treated to one-on-one advice, with Smith giving tips on passing, stepping and teamwork to the children, who were hanging on his every word.
By 9am about 300 people, many wearing Highlanders and All Blacks gear, had arrived to see Smith.
Kade said he was "really happy'' Smith had responded to his note.
"I wrote him a note asking to do some rugby skills at my house but this is even better.''
Kade, who plays for the Upper Clutha Bumblebees, said Smith was one of his favourite players.
"I like his steps.''
Kade's father, Grant Lawrie, said he was not surprised his son had contacted Smith.
"He is just that kind of kid.
"He rang up radio talkback the other day because he wants to nominate Beauden Barrett for New Zealander of the year for getting us the winning try in the World Cup.''
Mr Lawrie said he did not know his son had written the note until the 7-year-old told him.
"I sort of didn't think much about it until Ben put it online.''
He was "amazed'' by Smith's response.
After the training session, Smith spent about an hour signing autographs and taking photos with the crowd.
Many parents appeared to be more excited than their children.
Craig Williams, of Wellington, said he would bribe his 4-year-old daughter Mackenzie to have a photo with Smith.
"She can have an ice-block if she has a photo. It will be a great one for the album,'' Mr Willams said.
Speaking to the Otago Daily Times after the event, Smith said he was surprised by the number of people who had taken up his offer.
"I thought with kids being on holiday they would be doing different things.
"It has been a good morning having a couple of kids help you out with your training.
"Better than doing it by yourself.''
