All Black shares secrets of his success (+video)

BACK TO SCHOOL: All Black Malakai Fekitoa answering questions from students at Western Heights High School. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

Some of Rotorua's future rugby stars had a special start to the Easter holidays with a visit from All Black Malakai Fekitoa.

The centre was at Western Heights High School on Thursday, where he spoke about the importance of hard work and self-belief.

Persistent rain prevented Fekitoa from going through some drills out on the field, but members of the school's 1st XV kept him busy with plenty of questions. Fekitoa said the number one piece of advice he could give was to work hard - off and on the field.

"Hard work will take you anywhere - whatever you're doing, study hard or train hard, you will get there.

BACK TO SCHOOL: All Black Malakai Fekitoa answering questions from students at Western Heights High School. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

"It doesn't matter what you do or how good you are right now, what matters is what you have later. If you work hard you will see the reward."

Fekitoa was born in Tonga and after gaining a rugby scholarship at Wesley College in 2009, he rose quickly through the grades.

But he suffered a setback when he was released by the Blues after playing just one game in the 2013 season.

However, it proved to be just a blip - a storming season with the Highlanders last year led to his first All Black call-up.

He told students he had learned to deal with criticism.

"When you get better at what you do, people will hate you. But I try to prove them wrong," he said.

After his call-up to the All Blacks, he said he had been "scared at first, but after a few games I got used to it. And they're the nicest guys".

He said his best moment on the field had been scoring the winning try against Australia during The Rugby Championship last year.

After a question and answer session and an opportunity to pose for photographs, Western Heights students performed a rousing haka for Fekitoa that seemed to shake the walls of the school hall.

Head boy and 1st XV member Masiu Vainikolo said he had been thrilled to hear Fekitoa speak.

"It's really good to see what he's done, what motivates him and what he's been through."

He said his dream was to be an All Black and, also being Tongan, it meant a lot to hear about Fekitoa's achievements.

All Blacks rugby player Malakai Fekitoa speaks to Western Heights High School students in Rotorua on Thursday. 2 April 2015 Rotorua Daily Post Photograph by Ben Fraser

Masiu asked plenty of questions but admitted to feeling somewhat star-struck.

"When I saw him by the door I couldn't believe it. I still can't ... I'm still shaking."

Head of rugby at Western Heights, Carleen James, said it was "awesome" for the boys to experience having an All Black at the school.

Fekitoa also attended a leadership assembly at Rotorua Boys' High School.