Small-town HEROES

Kerre takes a trip to Kio Kio and is in awe of the big hearts and hospitality

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It should have been a straightforward proposition. Would I like to come and speak at a dinner at the Kio Kio Sports Club?

The request came from Mike and Katrina, a lovely couple I met on my Rugby World Cup tour to France a couple of years ago. They're farmers and stalwarts of their local Kio Kio community and heavily involved in the sports club.

I would travel down to Kio Kio, speak for my supper and stay the night with the pair. Couldn't be easier. Except last year, I had sinus surgery right before the dinner I was due to speak at and had to pull out.

I felt terrible about it, but I would definitely be there the following year.