Te Rau takes pride of place with Chiefs

Te Rau Kilkelly in his special Chiefs jersey with his name on the front. A replica was worn by Bundee Aki in a recent match against the Hurricanes. Photo/Ben Fraser

Rotorua's Te Rau Kilkelly is only 7 but, just like his dad, he is mad on rugby.

Te Rau said it was pretty special to see his name on the front of Chiefs player Bundee Aki's jersey a few weeks ago when the team took on the Hurricanes in a Super 15 match in Wellington.

Chiefs fans nationwide had the opportunity to see their names on players' jerseys as part of the BNZ Future Stars promotion to raise awareness and funds for Plunket.

Three opportunities were auctioned off on Trade Me, fetching up to $1000, while the rest were chosen by ballot.

Te Rau's dad John said $1000 was a little bit out of his price range, but was very happy for his son when his name was selected from the ballot.

Seeing his name on No 12 Bundee Aki's jersey was "cool as", according to Te Rau. He even had the chance to get to the game in Wellington on May 24, but wanted to stay in Rotorua to play for his team - Marist St Michael's under-8s.

He said his favourite player was Liam Messam and he got to as many matches as he could because dad was a season ticket holder.

"Fingers crossed we will win again this year," he said.

John said they would head over to the next match in Hamilton so they could get Bundee Aki to sign his jersey.