Rugby World Cup star presents Sunderland dad with own boots as prize for muddy forfeit

Sonatane Takulua, a scrum-half who kicked 21 points for Tonga at last year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan, agreed to join a rugby training session in the city organised by Extreme Dads, a group of fathers whose aim is to have as much fun as possible with their children.

Michael McRae, 36, a software developer from Millfield was there with his seven-year-old son Oliver, a Christ’s College pupil who plays for Sunderland Under-Eights.

Dad Michael lost a kicking challenge and had to take part in a forfeit – but Takulua, who also plays for Newcastle Falcons, decided he deserved a prize too.

So the Tongan presented Michael, there and then, with the boots he was wearing.

Michael said: “We’re trying to set a good example of how we can play sports and other activities. Oliver started playing rugby for Sunderland last year.

“Sonatane agreed to do a challenge with us. My forfeit was to be under a pile-on in the mud.”

The session, including Michael’s muddy pile-on, took place before coronavirus restrictions were in place. Footage has now been shared on YouTube.

By sheer good fortune, both Takulua and Michael are a shoe size 10.

Michael continued: “I don’t know if [Takulua] wore the boots in the World Cup, but I like to think that he did.”

The rugby star added: “The winners always get something. The loser’s getting something this time.”

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