Rugby fever took hold when Canadian players dropped in to school to show youngsters their skills.

Four tough-tackling sportsmen took time out from the World Rugby Classic to convert kids at Montessori Preparatory School to the game.

They were Roger Robertson, Alan Royer, Kit Warren and Guido Danger.

Teacher Shannon Sofianos said three of them were staying at her house during the tournament, which reaches a conclusion tomorrow.

And another player sends his child to the Smith's prep school, so he did not think twice about taking part in the light-hearted training session.

The teacher said the sports-loving children, who were given mini rugby balls to play with, were thrilled by Thursday morning's visit.

"The children were all excited," she said. "Some even wore their rugby shirts for the day."