He was inspired by Aaron Cruden's nek minnit rise to stardom and challenged the team to an Aaron Cruden Homecoming. With three days and an outstanding team of do-ers, Blacksheep made Cruden Zone happen and Palmy gained national attention for its can-do attitude. And the local support was outstanding.

Armed with a crew of RWC volunteers, 200 donated rugby balls, some Turbo teammates, Palmerston North Boys High School First XV, MC Andy from Mediaworks, a ute from Manawatu Toyota, Turbo man and a band called TOM we coordinated the event to happen on the one day Aaron was going to be back in Palmy town. Check out the video clip here.

Aaron arrived at our office with crutches in tow and caught up with a few of his Turbo teammates and Manawatu Rugby Union chief executive John Knowles. They were genuinely excited to see him and eager to learn how he'd been getting on in his new role with the All Blacks.

We shared a little Hell pizza but, perhaps due to team orders, turned down the offer of a cold beer. Aaron signed two limited edition replica match balls; one for Ronald McDonald House and the other for Arohanui Hospice, which was auctioned the following night and generated $600 for the Hospice.

As he mounted the back of the black ute taking him to the event, Aaron said in his now familiar humble tone, "I'm a nobody, there'll only be about 20 people there."

As we entered the square his eyes bulged as he saw the crowd of around 2,000 people gathering in anticipation of meeting their hero. See pics here.

Stacey Cottrill, director of Blacksheepdesign said, "Aaron was lovely and so down to earth. He was literally blown away by the response and couldn't believe that so many people had turned out just to see him."

Aaron kindly signed hundreds of balls for eager fans and was photographed with as many as he had time for. Thanks to Brad Boniface and some technical know-how, we uploaded photographs of Aaron and his fans to facebook instantaneously.

Music, interviews and interaction with the crowd continued following messages from Mayor Jono Naylor and Massey University Vice-Chancellor Steve Maharey.

Before the crowd dispersed we gifted Aaron a skateboard deck featuring a special design created by our studio. And we gave away a replica to one lucky Cruden Zone attendee on facebook.

A hearty thanks to all those that helped. It's testament to the positivity of our city. And thanks to the crowd for getting amongst it. Go Palmy, once again, you were awesome!

Special thanks to: Aaron Cruden, Bruce Sharrock, Andy from Mediaworks, Dave and Mike from TOM, Rhys and Jason from Image Group, Leif and the 1st XV from PNBHS, John, Aaron, Nick, Maa'fu and Doug from the Turbos, Ryley from Vision Manawatu, Brad, Nicola & Noah from Brad Boniface Photography, Gemma, Warwick and Jimmy Spellington from MSL, Chris & Richard from Outpost Digital Media, Jo and her teal volunteers from RWC, The Police and the Maori Wardens, Keli and Justin from McDonalds, Brendon from Manawatu Toyota, Kevin and Craig from Speedy Signs, Tim and Guy from Property Brokers, Julie from Destination Manawatu, Helen from Feilding Promotions, Horizons Signs, Hollie from Vodafone, Truda from Bunnings and Turbo Man xx