THE All Blacks are still Toby Broadhurst’s favourite team despite dad Michael wearing the jersey of Japan’s Brave Blossoms at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
The 3½-year-old Toby was given the honour of running on to the pitch with the match ball just before the kick-off of the Heartland Championshiprugby match between Poverty Bay and Mid Canterbury at Rugby Park on Saturday.
Toby donned his All Blacks outfit for the occasion and is pictured above with mother Annabel and carrying out his match-ball duty.
Former Campion College student Broadhurst (right) is preparing for Japan’s next RWC pool clash against Samoa on Sunday (NZ time).
Their stunning 34-32 upset of South Africa — probably the biggest upset in international rugby history — was followed by a 45-10 thumping by Scotland but they remain in the equation to make the quarterfinals. The name Toby can be seen on Broadhurst’s wrist band.
Meanwhile, Broadhurst’s former province, Poverty Bay, were unable to break their losing streak against Heartland Championship leaders Mid Canterbury, going down 38-25.
Neighbours Ngati Porou East Coast lost 22-10 to West Coast in Ruatoria.
Toby pictures by Paul Rickard, Broadhurst picture by AP
