Fletcher Carpenter looks forward to meeting Fijian children next month when he comes to participate in the 2024 Coral Coast 7s from January 18-20 at Lawaqa Park.
Carpenter earned his spot on the McDonald’s All-Star Team, personally selected by renowned coach Sir Gordon Tietjens.
Carpenter said he would like to meet all the young Fijian kids supporting the tournament and the game of 7s and hopefully learn a few tricks from the older All Stars players.”
Carpenter holds former All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter in high regard as his all-time favourite rugby player. He looks forward to an exciting opportunity with the McDonald’s All-Star team.
“I’m grateful and excited to meet the boys and to learn from the best in the world,” he added.
Last year, Fletcher staked a claim to the New Zealand jersey after he made the Palmerston North Boys High School 7s team that played in the Gordon Tietjens tournament in October.
Not only did he help his team win the tournament, when they beat Feilding Agricultural High School 22–7 in the final, but Carpenter was also named the tournament’s most valuable player.
Gordon Tietjens himself presented the MVP trophy to Fletcher.
His highlight in his rugby career was playing for New Zealand 7s against Tonga in a preseason series.
The 19-year-old was hailed by Sir Gordon for his speed.
“Fletcher is a very good 7s player, he’s got good potential and is very quick. He has all the qualities that are needed for a 7s player,” Tietjens said.
