Andrew Knewstubb is still abuzz after being part of the successful All Blacks Sevens team which won gold at the Commonwealth Games in Australia's Gold Coast.
Knewstubb had a well earned break at his parents Waikanae home last week while recuperating from a shoulder injury incurred at the recent Singaporetournament.
The 22-year-old was an important part of the All Blacks Sevens who swept aside Zambia, Kenya, Canada and England before beating Fiji in the Commonwealth Games sevens final 14-0.
Knewstubb said trying to win the gold medal was a key focus for the team at the start of the year, especially given New Zealand's rich sevens history at Commonwealth Games level and how much it meant to the country.
The team was primed for the final and drew extra inspiration from the Black Ferns thrilling win over Australia.
"If Fiji had scored that then the final score might have been a bit different.
"To have your captain make a play like that was pretty awesome.
"We just tried to keep them scoreless because we knew that as soon as they had their tails up we would be in trouble."
And then the final whistle blew.
Andrew Knewstubb's Commonwealth Games gold medal. Photo / David Haxton
"It was an unreal feeling.
"It's what you always dream about and then for it to happen was kind of surreal."
The celebrations continued back at the games village were there was an "unreal welcome" including a special moment when "the basketball boys came out and did a big haka for us".
"There were heaps of people shaking our hands and they were in party mode too.
"It was a just a cool happy feeling."
Knewstubb, who grew up playing age group rugby for Waikanae as well as Paraparaumu College 1st XV, also enjoyed seeing his college mate Zac Millar who competed in squash.
Back on the sevens circuit Knewstubb has some new goals including selection for the World Cup in San Francisco in July this year, and longer term the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020.
He's enjoyed his brief visit home catching up with his parents, Marie and Pete, girlfriend Alisa Mihaila, and various friends, not to mention family dogs Molly and Sammy.
