Waihi rugby fan Harper Sandford has become an overnight sensation with his daring display of gymnastics and pro wrestling skills during a televised Thames Valley game over the weekend.
Harper of Goldfield School was charged with running the ball out for the second-half kickoff, with his beloved Swamp Foxes trailing Horowhenua-Kapiti in a Heartland Championship fixture at Whitianga.
Determined to inspire his team, he performed a series of cartwheels and muscle flexes on his way back to the sideline, much to the delight of the crowd. Since then, his antics have gone viral online, making him something of a local legend.
Mother Natasha Sandford admits the family was unprepared for the response.
The Waihi rugby fan captured hearts with a halftime performance that went viral. (Source: Breakfast)
"Dillon is Harper's caregiver and he took him to the game, because we couldn't make it up there," she told Breakfast. "We were laughing about it with my parents, wondering if he would do any cartwheels, because he's a little bit of a showman.
"We just cracked up laughing, when we saw the cartwheels, because that's very much a Harper thing to do. I posted it on my Facebook page, thinking family and friends would enjoy it, but it absolutely went crazy.
"My phone hasn't stopped since yesterday."
Harper learnt his cartwheel skills from his sisters and describes the halftime experience as "10/10", but sadly, his efforts could not spark his Foxes to victory.
The Thames Valley team enjoy an especially close relationship with Goldfield School.
"Not only do they do the charity game, which was played on Saturday, but afterwards, they auctioned their shirts to raise money for the school," said Natasha. "Over the years, they've raised about $120,000, which is absolutely incredible and it goes straight to the children — it's much needed.
"They come into the school, they train with the children... the relationship is really important for our community and adds value for the children as well."
SHARE ME