Players held running skills sessions, chatted with locals and fired up a community barbecue in Clinton last week.
Highlanders spokeswoman Amanda Gould said the plan was hatched when the team reached out to the Otago Rural Support Trust.
"We told them, ‘Hey, we’ve got 50 able-bodied lads who are keen to come out and help. Where can we go and what can we do?’,” she said.
Since most of the cleanup was completed or waiting for machinery, the trust told them the Clutha district could use something else entirely — a lift in spirits.
"We heard the community would really appreciate a pick-me-up, because it had been a pretty tough time ... one Clinton family had gone 13 days without power."
Young rugby enthusiasts hung on every word from their smiling heroes, inspired by quick ball-skill games and real tackle bullrush.
Local coach and community contact Jess Paul said the visit meant everything.
"It’s huge. The kids look up to them as role models and it shows we’re not forgotten about," she said.
"Some of the kids have been playing rugby together all their lives and have the potential to go far."
The Highlanders brought the same treat to the Waitahuna community and sponsors Pulse Energy gave local families free tickets to upcoming Highlanders games.
