A RUGBY-mad Newport youngster was a lucky mascot at Saturday’s Millennium Stadium encounter between Wales and New Zealand.

Joe Salter, a seven-year-old Clytha Primary School pupil, was led out by captain Sam Warburton and the rest of his Welsh “idols” after he won the chance to walk out in front of a packed Millennium after entering a draw through his Welsh Rugby Union junior membership.

Joe’s mother, Morag Salter, said: “It was unbelievable. He took it all in his stride and was able to watch them all warm up.

“He shook Alun Wyn-Jones’ hand and Sam Warburton spoke to him for a few minutes before they walked out. He was soaking it all up – he’s so passionate about rugby and he was out there with his idols.”

Wales went on to lose 16-34.