Members of the All Blacks World Cup squad have been out in the provinces as part of their 'Meet the Nation' tour.
In Christchurch, Sonny Bill Williams played sports with children impacted by the March 15 terror attacks.
The children gave their rugby heroes a warm welcome, as the All Blacks took time to give back before the Rugby World Cup.
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"The best thing we know how to do to support you guys is showing you a bit of what we do," Williams told the kids on Thursday.
The training started with ball drills, followed by games.
"It's good to reconnect with some people," Williams said.
"I've been down here a few times, and [I'm now] seeing some of the brothers that were victims in the hospital are actually walking and getting around now."
The visit was particularly significant for the youngest victims of the mosque shootings.
"It means a lot to them, as you can see by the smiles on their faces," said a Canterbury Resilience Foundation spokesperson.
"They're really excited to have them here, it means a great deal."
Said Victim Support worker Fred: "Anybody that's been here and [has] seen the smiles, the laughter, the participation... it has been fantastic.
"It has given everybody a morale boost."
The players also visited the first responders to the terror attack as part of their All Black outreach programme.
"It's part of the role we have in New Zealand, and for our families and friends in the community," says All Black Richie Mo'unga.
"We make sure we don't take that for granted. We can have a positive impact on people and put smiles on people's faces."
The All Blacks are proving they are not just sportsmen, but real heroes, bringing joy to so many - big and small.
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