New Zealand
Ben Smith holds impromptu training session with hundreds of fans
ESPN Staff
January 12, 2016
Ben Smith celebrates the Highlanders' first Super Rugby triumph © Getty Images
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An impromptu training session with Ben Smith in Wanaka, Otago, has been crashed by hundreds of junior rugby fans, as well as a few older fans, after Wanaka resident Kade Lawrie's hand-written note created a social media storm on Monday night.

Kade, 7, delivered his note to All Black fullback and neighbour Smith asking if he could teach him some rugby skills.

Smith, on holiday form Dunedin, said he was "too lazy" to go next door to respond, so posted his acceptance on Facebook.

His post quickly garnered over 1000 likes, and saw fans from around the area turn up for the training session, surprising the Rugby World Cup winner.

"I thought just a couple of kids would turn up," Smith told Fairfax Media NZ.

The Otago Rugby Football Union soon got involved with Simon and assistant captain Gary Read taking down cones and balls, while Smith watched over and gave tips to as many children as possible as games of touch rugby took place.

"You look at it, this is a small community. Things get around pretty quickly."

© ESPN Staff

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