Rugby festival attracts 28 teams

‘‘So, it’ll be no McDonalds [for him this week] . . . protein shakes and a run around the block instead.’’

Star, which is the only Southland team attending the festival, will compete in the under-10s section, with other categories being under-11 and under-13. Twenty-eight teams, including one from New South Wales, are taking part.

Esplin entered the Star team after first noticing information about the festival on Facebook two months ago. He was in the United States at the time and contacted the club’s junior grade convenor, Matt Harrington, to gain approval to enter the team.

‘‘For some of these kids, it might be the only time they play in one of these tournaments . . . they’ll remember it for the rest of their lives,’’ Esplin said.

Before every game, teams will exchange gifts.

Star’s gift for rival teams is a small wooden shield with the club’s crest on it and details about the club’s history. The Star team will present a second gift – a hoody for the rival team’s standout player or for sportsmanship in the opposition team.

Callum Rutledge has been training the Star team for the past five weeks.

‘‘The kids are chomping at the bit, they’re really excited [about the festival,’’ Esplin said.

‘‘One parent told me their son was struggling to sleep at night as he’s that excited.’’

The Star club fielded 17 junior teams in competitions in the past season.