Southland Stags and Highlanders flanker Hayden Michaels has family at Bupa Windsor Retirement Village. His grandmother invited him to visit the residents and talk about his life as an athlete.
"I could hardly turn that down. It was good, [with] a lot of questions, [which] really kept me on my toes."
Mr Michaels said his role often involved public appearances, but he was happy to come out to speak to a new crowd of supporters.
"I think it’s pretty special. It’s important to get out to schools and social meets, but we don’t often come to villages like this," he said.
His grandmother Helen Affleck, a resident at the village, said she was very proud of all he had done.
"It’s the most wonderful feeling, it’s just so great. I saw him being born, I’ve watched him right through all his stages from being a wee fella playing rugby, to [watching him at] 10 o’clock in the morning in the frost."
Village co-ordinator Paula Dorbon said Mr Michaels did a fantastic job.
"Hayden had the audience captivated with his story — being a Gore local, his schooling, all the way to now with his career as a professional. He was relaxed and interesting to listen to," she said.
