More than 200 fans flocked to the Upper Clutha Rugby Club yesterday to get up close with the Highlanders as the team prepared for their first match of the preseason.
At the open training event, players engaged in a number of drills under the merciless Otago sun before taking a quick dip in Lake Wānaka.
As they made their way back to the clubrooms, they were swarmed by young autograph seekers.
The team’s visit to Wānaka marked the first leg of the Highlanders Regional Roadshow, a five-day tour where they will visit Ranfurly, Cromwell and Alexandra before taking on Moana Pasifika in a preseason match at the Queenstown Events Centre on Friday night.
Highlanders defence coach Dave Dillon said "southern inspiration" was key for the team, and it was important for them to know who they were representing when they put on the jersey.
"We’ve got a lot of new faces.
"Getting away from camp is quite good — getting away from the base there in Dunedin."
"Seeing us training, seeing us putting in that work and then, post that, the boys getting around and having those chats.
"A lot of boys will remember when they were young and how important that interaction is."
Highlanders loose forward Sean Withy counted himself among those who had been inspired by team visits growing up.
"I was born in Southland, in the countryside, so it was always a big day when the Stags or the Highlanders would come down."
"I think everyone’s looking forward to having a hit-out against some other people and taking some steam out.
"Everyone’s looking forward to it and putting their best foot forward."
The team were basing themselves in Alexandra every night and training each morning at Pioneer Park, combined with gym work.
