It would not be often that you get former All Blacks Richie McCaw and Dan Carter, Black Ferns captain Les Elder, New Zealand rugby league, sevens, and union representative Honey Hireme-Smiler and Victoria Cross recipient Willie Apiata in a room together.
However, that was the case as more than 600Bay of Plenty teenagers were treated to some quality time with a swag of household names in Rotorua on Friday.
The iSport Youth Leadership Day at the Energy Events Centre saw secondary school students from throughout the Bay of Plenty talked to by inspirational speakers about how they could reach their own potential.
Carter said he was "blown away and humbled" by the fact 650 people had shown up to listen to them speak.
"We're basically just sharing some of our experiences about values, what I learned about those throughout my All Black career to help shape me into the person and leader I am today," he said.
"They need to really add something to the environment, so being a good person is really important and a big part of what [I talked] about.
"You have to make sure you're humble, you're not trying to be someone you're not, you're grateful and you have your feet on the ground. Those are values I learned throughout my career."
When asked if there were leaders or role models he looked up to during his career, Carter said he took a lot from those he played with.
"When you're in an amazing environment like the All Blacks, you're almost inspired by your teammates, your coaches, and management group.
"Being close to a guy like Richie, who's extremely driven, and learning from people like that. I'm always learning, even now that I've finished playing, I've got a growth mindset of wanting to learn and pick up new things.
Richie McCaw. Photo / Andrew Warner
"One thing it goes to show is the importance of values, knowing what those are because that's what's going to drive you through life."
McCaw said the message he wanted to impart on the young people attending the event was success and leadership did not come down to chance or luck.
"Obviously, you pick people on talent, but the characteristics they show alongside that determine how they fit into a team and what they achieve," he said.
"It's not just about how good you are and that's what we want to tell and show people. Talent is one thing but having the right values, characteristics, and fitting into a team is hugely important."
He said it was also important to see obstacles as worthwhile challenges.
"A lot of people will tell you why you can't do something but if you flip it around and look at the reasons you can do it, that's what has always got me going.
"That's the sort of message you want to put across. It's all very well to say if you dream something, it's all possible. It might not be but if you don't figure out ways of navigating through tough times and things not going your way, you'll never get there."
McCaw said through the experiences he had during his own career, he learned a lot about the fact there were different leadership styles and methods of achieving success.
"Being in a position to do that, you don't take that for granted, it's a privilege. It wasn't that long ago I was sitting where these kids are thinking 'What's next? What am I going to do after school?'
"I've been lucky enough to have some great opportunities along the way that were helpful and I want to be able to pass that on."
When asked what he thought of the current trans-Tasman Super Rugby competition and the dominance of the New Zealand teams, Carter said with three young kids, and a fourth on the way, it was usually cartoons on the television at home.
"I do enjoy watching the rugby when I can. It has been good, obviously, the New Zealand teams are playing extremely well and the Aussies will be learning a lot from these games. They'll only be stronger for it."
McCaw said he was "keeping an eye" on the trans-Tasman competition.
"As a spectator, just seeing something different from the New Zealand sides playing against each other has been really good. We're lucky to have these games."
