SBW and the Webb Ellis Cup greet students
Sonny Bill Williams and the Rugby World Cup made an appearance at Pukekohe High School on Wednesday bearing a message.
Williams, New Zealand Rugby’s teenage rugby ambassador, is making his way around schools in a bid to encourage more New Zealanders to participate in rugby, and of course, to take the odd selfie.
The visit was part of New Zealand Rugby’s 2017 recruitment drive for players, coaches and referees.
Last week was Pukekohe High School’s turn.
‘‘The thing that we, as New Zealanders, love is rugby.
‘‘I am fortunate enough to make my life out of playing rugby, out of playing sport. It is something that comes easy [for me to talk about] and something that I am passionate about,’’ said Williams.
‘‘I really enjoy talking to those youngsters that have that attitude to be the best version of them- selves, because I really get a lot of satisfaction by spreading a little bit of knowledge that I have in that department.’’
Williams spoke to the students about the positive implications that come from hard work and dedication.
‘‘You’re going to have challenges, but stick to it. The problem now, in today’s society, unfortunately we want to follow people - we want to be the cool kids, instead of being who we really want to be.
‘‘Go out there and do you,’’ Williams said.
In 2016 a record 155,934 New Zealanders played rugby - a 3 per cent increase on 2015, which is a number that New Zealand Rugby wants to improve on this year.
Last year a total of 42,275 teenagers played rugby, while the largest largest growth area for rugby continues to be among females with 21,937 playing last year.
Although Williams said, ‘‘I just want to get back on the field,’’ after his 2016 Rio Olympics injury, he also said that his injury was a blessing in disguise.
‘‘I get to spend time at home with my beautiful daughters and my wife ... just being grateful for what I have, instead of what I don’t have,’’ said Williams.
Williams plans to make a return on to the field within a month.
‘‘Hopefully, I’ll be back on the field in a few weeks.’’