By Amanda Durry  September 1, 2011

After watching the final of the Watters Cup between Rakaia and Southern, Charlie Howden came to kindergarten and declared he was going to be an All Black.

He loves rugby so it all made sense to the four-year-old.
Since then his kindergarten, Aubrey Mason, has embarked on a widespread rugby journey complete with making its own Webb Ellis Cup out of papier maché.
Teacher Hayley Rowland said the idea of creating the cup and celebrating rugby snowballed from Charlie’s desire to be an All Black and the children’s interest in rippa rugby.
Children made their own rugby players, have studied the flags of each country that will be at the Rugby World Cup, and have adopted Romania as a country to learn about.
They have also made their own Romanian flags, which they will take to a Romanian team training at the Ashburton Showgrounds on Tuesday, as well as dressing in the team colours.
“All the children have had input into something and have really enjoyed it. There’s been a lot of talk about rugby and they’re looking forward to the trip on Tuesday,” Miss Rowland said.
The kindergarten’s hand-made cup will be on display at the Ashburton Trust Event Centre from Friday.