Flynn Smith (13) will swap the classroom for the rugby field when the Crusaders and Highlanders clash in Timaru this afternoon.
The Year 8 Bluestone School pupil has scored himself a place on the sideline, retrieving wayward rugby balls and sending them back onto the field.
Each club under the South Canterbury Rugby Football Union (SCRFU) banner selected one player from their under-13 squad for the busy and important role.
Flynn will represent Harlequins. The role was one he has been mastering regularly.
‘‘I do it for the Harlequins senior team most weeks,’’ he said.
Taking on the role today meant he will get half a day off school; and the opportunity to see the Crusaders and Highlanders battle it out in his home of Timaru.
Flynn, who is keen to see the Crusaders win today, was also looking forward to picking up a few tricks of the trade from the sideline.
He wanted to learn some new skills and see ‘‘how they do things like warm up’’.
Flynn, who has been perfecting his skills on the rugby field since he was 4 years old, is keen to live the Kiwi boy’s dream of one day playing for the All Blacks — just as his favourite, Israel Dagg, had done before him.
By Monday this week, 2000 tickets had been sold to today’s mid-season break game game, with more still available.
SCRFU rugby administrator Nicky Geary said while some tickets would be available to buy from the gate, people were encouraged to book online.
The hype was already gaining momentum, she said.
Wet weather last weekend has left her hoping for some sunshine in the days leading up to the match to help dry the field out.
- by Alexia Johnston