The Crusaders have paid a visit to the firefighters working on the frontline to contain the Port Hills blaze in Christchurch.
Led by centurion, Mitch Drummond, a dozen players presented signed jerseys to the various units from around the wider Canterbury region, as well as tickets to their upcoming "connections week" match against the Rebels in late April.
"Obviously, we see a lot of what's going on, on TV, but it's great to be able to come up and see firsthand the people putting in the hard yards," said Drummond.
"When I saw them come down the hill covered in smoke, silt whatever it is — it gave me a whole new appreciation for the work they're doing up there."
Community was a big part of the Crusaders ethos — so showing up to say thanks in person, as well as top up their hydration station with Powerade was "the least" they could do, he said.
"We just play rugby and try to inspire kids.. but this is real life," said lock Quin Strange.
"People's properties are up there and, obviously,they put in the hard yards to protect the city, the community, so little things like this are where we can help so we're happy to be here and support them," he said.
The blaze was especially close to home for fellow lock Zach Gallagher, who lives within a few hundred metres of where the fire perimeter was contained.
"It's awesome to come and thank them, I mean the last couple of days they've done amazing work — from the helicopter pilots to the people on the ground and everyone working night shifts.
"The least we could do is pop down and show our appreciation, our thanks but the real credit goes to them for all the mahi they've been doing the last couple of days," said Gallagher.
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