Cane, the Cup and the tale of the dead bird (+video)

Broadlands School children have been wowed by a visit by former student and local hero - All Black Sam Cane - and the Rugby World Cup.

Cane told the Rotorua Daily Post he was excited to be at the school yesterday. "I think it will be a day that they [pupils] will remember and I definitely will too . . . I'm happy it worked out and the stars aligned. It's going to be a memorable day."

Principal Graeme Taylor said it was all part of the school's history.

"Local family, local boy, following his dreams in life. We are very virtue driven and he has all the virtues that we expect. We have followed his journey as a school right into the Chiefs and then the All Blacks. He's popped back from time to time but this is the most notable occasion."

All Black Sam Cane brings the Webb Ellis trophy to his old school Broadlands School. Photo/Stephen Parker

Carly Ohia, 10, the school's kapa haka leader, was thrilled.

"I'm just excited to see the cup back in New Zealand."

As was 10-year-old rugby player Jordan Anglesey. "His visit means a lot because I have been to his games quite a lot. I want to be an All Black when I grow up."

Head prefect Maggie Putt, 11, said her favourite sport was soccer but she saw Cane as a role model.

Broadlands students carry the precious cargo. Photo/Stephen Parker

"The fact that he is from our area and that he has made such a big achievement is something to look up to."

Cane showed the cup off at the assembly and answered questions. One child asked: "Is it true that you took a bird into assembly when you went to school here?"

"We found a dead bird on the field and the teacher started tocome over and I thought I was going to get in trouble so I put it in my pocket. Then we had to go
to assembly and the teacher found out and called my Mum," Cane replied. "She was worried and thought I might turn out to be a bad person because, if I could hurt an animal when I was 5, what would I do when I grew up? But luckily the only place I hurt people is the rugby field."

Cane also visited Reporoa College, Reporoa Primary School and the Woolshed Tavern.