Invergordon boy joins rugby legend to present match ball at Murrayfield for Scotland v New Zealand match
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One Hill of Fearn Primary School pupil was front and centre at Murrayfield last weekend as Scotland faced New Zealand.
Six-year-old Charlie Mackenzie, from Invergordon, was alongside Doddie Weir and family to present the match ball ahead of kick off.
Mackenzie was invited after raising over £1500 for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
“It was just amazing, fantastic,” mum Leigh said.
“It went a bit over his head, but we had a great time down there. I was down the tunnel before he came out, and the noise – everyone was on their feet clapping, so it was some experience.
“When he was doing his running when it all started, he was obsessed with Doddie.
“Charlie kept calling him the biggest man he knew, so it was brilliant and they’re a lovely family.”
As well as Doddie Weir, Mackenzie got to rub shoulders with the current Scotland stars as well as the All-Blacks.
One particular moment stood out for the youngster, who learned some new tricks to take back to Ross Sutherland, where he is a mini.
“His highlight was meeting Duhan van der Merwe afterwards,” Leigh added.
“The Weir boys, Hamish, Angus and Ben, were in the tunnel before the match and were trying to make him drop the ball, playing rugby with him. Those were the best bits.
“It was an exceptional day. We met Sam Whitelock, the All-Black’s captain, and Finn Russell who signed Charlie’s ball. The two Stoltman boys were there as well, and they are massive. Hamish, Angus and Ben (Weir) are huge, Sam Whitelock is massive, so all the photos are wee Charlie next to these huge men.
“He was on TV in 183 countries apparently, and I don’t think he actually realised that until he watched it back. He’ll be at Ross Sutherland on Sunday, and he’s been taught how to spin the ball and catch the ball backwards – he has all these new skills after being at Murrayfield.”
