Over 3,000 schoolchildren around the Principality have been encouraged to 'adopt a nation', learning about the language, culture and heritage of one of the 16 participating countries in an initiative that has allowed them to meet with the international players staying, training and playing in their local area.

And there were plenty of wide smiles at Pontypridd’s Sardis Road this week when children from six schools in the area – Our Ladys, Pontypridd; YGG Aberdare; Pontyclun Primary, Ynyswen Primary, Llyn Celyn and Ysgol Evans James – met with their adopted nation, New Zealand.

What's more, after being introduced to the squad, the youngsters had an opportunity to play ball with the likes of Super 14 stars Sean Maitland and Zach Guildford.

Pontyclun head of sport Andrew Williams, said; “It has been a once in a lifetime opportunity for these kids. They have worked hard in recent weeks to learn about the culture of New Zealand people and now they have seen some of the world’s finest young players in action.

“They will take a great deal from it, just as I have. It is an initiative which certainly gets the thumbs up from all of us involved.”