Hurricanes players join local JAB players for breakfast

WHAT'S FOR BREAKFAST?: Hurricanes players (from left) Ricky Riccitelli, Beauden Barrett, Ardie Savea and Carlos Price joined local JAB players Wynter Hawea, Max Elsmore and Dylan Torrie for breakfast at the Emerald Hotel. Picture supplied

HURRICANES players Ricky Riccitelli, Beauden Barrett, Ardie Savea and Carlos Price joined local JAB players for breakfast at the Emerald Hotel yesterday.

JAB chairwoman Cara Haines said the youngsters “absolutely loved it”.

“The Hurricanes players were down to earth and showed an interest in the boys,” she said.

Haines said the Hurricanes were also a big hit when they travelled out to Patutahi on Tuesday night to “throw the ball around, chat and sign autographs”.

“Beauden, who comes from a farming background, said the Hurricanes loved coming to Gisborne.

“I think it’s awesome for our region.

“We have a big fan base here and to have the chance to interact with the players is fantastic.”

At the end of yesterday’s breakfast, former Gisborne Boys’ High School players Blade Thomson and Isaia Walker-Leawere took the stage to answer questions from Poverty Bay Rugby Football Union development officer Henry Lamont.

“Blade and Izzy talked about memories of their early days playing rugby in bare feet with their mates,” Haines said.