For many sports-mad fans the thoughts of meeting the famous New Zealand All Blacks is a dream that not all will get to fulfil.
But for 26 children in Ireland, not only did they get to meet Sam Whitelock, Charlie Faumuina, Aaron Smith and Joe Moody earlier today, they also got to perform the Haka in front of them!
Yes, a group of 10-year-old boys and girls bravely stood in Seapoint Rugby Club in Killiney, Dublin, and in front of some of the world's most famous rugby players pulled off the performance in epic style.
So Proud......My daughter getting to lead the Haka in @seapointrfc against the #AllBlacks #IREvNZL pic.twitter.com/h0w78VjMPk
— Brian Keegan (@brikeego) November 18, 2016
The event was in aid of a very important cause, and the kids were all chosen because of their clear commitment to sport, and to rugby in particular.
The All Blacks have partnered with UNICEF to help shine a spotlight on the importance of physical activity in all areas of kids' lives, and today's pre-match skills and drills session was highlighting children’s right to play.
“We know that children need to play, but children also have the right to play," All Blacks veteran lock Sam Whitelock said
"It’s great for the All Blacks to team up with UNICEF to work to make sure every child is able to play sport.
"My teammates and I are privileged enough to travel the world in the name of sport – and we are happy that we can use this opportunity to spread the word about the importance of play.”
UNICEF Ireland recently assisted children to write a report for the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. It was clear from the report the important role that sport plays in their lives.
In the report children highlighted their view that sport helps them keep fit, promotes their well-being and gives them opportunities to hang out with friends and have fun.
