‘It’s cool’ getting close to his idols
‘At the start I volunteered for the sevens because I could go and see the games on the field but now I love the atmosphere and the people I work with.’
NOT many young rugby fans can boast they’ve shared the field with Dan Carter, but Wellington teenager Kris Watt is proud to have had the honour.
The 16-year-old has met many of his rugby idols volunteering as a ball boy for the Wellington Rugby Union.
During the past five years he has volunteered at every Lions, Hurricanes and All Blacks game. This week the Scots College student will volunteer for his third and final year at the Wellington Sevens.
Kris became a ball boy after his parents, who worked as event managers for the union, urged him to take part.
The highlight for him is being close to his All Black idols.
‘‘At the start I volunteered for the sevens because I could go and see the games on the field but now I love the atmosphere and the people I work with.
Kris Watt
‘‘Just being in the middle of cool.’’
When he first started, he was paired up with an older colleague, who showed him how it was done while Kris watched from the sidelines. This year it’s his turn to mentor.
‘‘When you are out there it is easy to let your mind wander,’’ he says. ‘‘But
it
all is just enjoy what you are doing, because not many kids get to be a ball boy.’’
Justin de la Haye is the manager who looks after the young volunteers on the field during the sevens and at the parade.
Making sure his two rotating groups are getting rest and eating well is also important, he says. ‘‘They are a good, motivated bunch of people who come from diverse backgrounds, who all want to be part of an exciting few days.’’
This will be his fifth year volunteering as the man who keeps the game flowing at the sevens. ‘‘I enjoy it every year. It’s such an amazing experience.’’
He also likes catching up with other volunteers – some of whom he has not seen since the last Wellington Sevens tournament.
‘‘I also love the party atmosphere and being on the field with the action, especially when the Kiwis are in the final.’’