ABs get in touch with kids

The All Blacks are doing their bit for junior rugby while they are in Wellington this week.

They will host the junior rugby jamboree, set for Petone Rugby Club on Tuesday afternoon as part of their activities in the build-up to their Tri-Nations test against the Springboks on Saturday night.

The rugby games and entertainment range from kicking and passing contests to Rippa Rugby. The event, which is open to the public with activities for children aged 5-13 kicks off at 4pm with the All Blacks squad in attendance from about 5pmto first take part in activities and to then sign autographs for young fans.

The Wellington event also features ‘All Blacks World,' the large, All Blacks-themed bouncy castle that has been a popular attraction for the young and the young-at-heart at Weet-bix tryathlons this year.

Invitations to meet the All Blacks at North Park, Petone have gone directly to clubs and all age-grade rugby players in the region as the team tries new variations on its weekly public events.

"The team has traditionally had a public signing session or open training before every home test," said All Blacks manager Darren Shand.

"This year we're mixing in some more interactive events.  The direct contact with All Blacks supporters is important to the team."

They have already achieved that with 17-year-old rugby coach Ray Moore from Hutt Valley High School joining the All Blacks coaches at their training session in Wellington on Monday.

Moore was one of close to 5000 coaches nationwide who attended a RugbySmart course in their province and entered the RugbySmart challenge.

RugbySmart is an injury prevention programme for referees and coaches developed jointly by the New Zealand Rugby Union and ACC which is aimed at preventing serious injuries through the application of good coaching and refereeing practice.

As well as being a student at Hutt Valley High, Ray also coaches the school's Under 65 weight grade side and also plays lock/blindside flanker for the school's First XV.