Carter to 'tee off' at supporters
Dan Carter will continue to reward fans with his unique tee-tossing concept when the Crusaders host the Reds in Saturday’s Super Rugby play-off.
The All Black flyhalf have thrown nearly 200 autographed kicking tees to fans during Crusaders games this season to show his appreciation to supporters and will fling a few more into the crowd as the Crusaders look to advance to the semifinals this weekend.
"When I'm over on an end-of-year tour, I tend to throw a few tees after training to kids. So I came up with the idea that I should start throwing them into the crowd after each kick, and it's something that I've done this year,” Carter explained to 3 News.
"I have huge respect for people who make an effort to come to the games, so if there's something I can do by giving out a tee here and there, then I'm only too happy."
Carter uses between 12 and 15 tees per game, which he is handed on-field by assistant coach Aaron Mauger, who also keeps count of the tees.
"I've talked to a few people who have managed to catch the odd kicking tee in the crowd and they seem to appreciate it," said Carter.
The ace goal-kicker joked that he is still mastering the art.
"I did meet one guy after the game in the weekend and it teed him in the head. He was looking in the other direction and the next thing I know I threw the tee and it hit him square in the head. So I might have to be a bit more careful when I'm throwing the tees in to the crowd in the future."
