Russia didn't get to play the All Blacks at the Rugby World Cup in Japan, but flanker Tagir Gadzhiev was so determined to meet some of the players that he drove four hours to do so.
Gadzhiev, a devoted Muslim, wanted to meet Sonny Bill Williams and Ofa Tuungafasi - who are also Muslim - and present the duo with a special gift.
He gifted the pair their own traditional papakha hat, worn in Dagestani Avar culture and made famous by UFC fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov.
In return, Williams gave Gadzhiev one of his jerseys.
"Great to meet our Muslim brother in the Russian team from Dagestan," Williams wrote on Instagram. "The bro drove 4 hours to meet us with a special gift! The @khabib_nurmagomedov hat … May the most high continue to bless you & your loved ones habibi."
Gadzhiev said he can't wait to see his new All Blacks mates again.
"It was truly my pleasure to meet you both brothers. I look forward to crossing paths again."
Join us at 11:45pm Saturday for live updates of the Ireland v Samoa Rugby World Cup clash.
Newshub.
