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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Dylan James

Security alert turned into 'rugby's kindest moment' as video leaves 100 million people in awe

You've seen the big hits, the length of field tries and the huge brawls. It isn't often that the more innocent moments in rugby steal the spotlight, but that's exactly what happened with Sonny Bill Williams.

The All Blacks had just won the World Cup 34-17 against Australia at Twickenham, one of the most iconic rugby games in history as true greats like Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu and Richie McCaw bowed out of Test rugby at the top.

Yet despite the fairytale ending for the All Black legends, it was a true act of kindness in the aftermath which captured the hearts of spectators and millions worldwide.

As New Zealand were celebrating their win, 14-year-old fan Charlie Line darted onto the pitch towards his favourite player, Sonny Bill. He was heavily tackled by stadium security, concerned for the safety of the players, but Sonny Bill picked up Charlie from the floor. He and team-mate Nehe Milner-Skudder encouraged the security guard to leave the youngster alone.

With his arm around the teenager, Williams chatted to Charlie and helped to escort him back to the stands. Steve Hansen even joins in as Charlie is walked back towards his seat. The humility shown by the All Blacks is awe-inspiring, yet the care and attention doesn't stop there.

Sonny Bill then handed his World Cup winner's medal to Charlie and hugged him. Possibly the kindest act we have seen in rugby, it is no surprise that the clip has raked in almost 100 million views across the internet.

Despite being seven years old, Rugby Joe gave the clip a new lease of life on Tik Tok recently, and fans are absolutely loving it. Since then, it has racked up 15 million views and 1.3 million likes. However, it is Rugby World Cup's Facebook page who have raked in the crazy viewing numbers, with 78 million in a post from last year.

Fans were gobsmacked by the clip, some putting it more simply than others, "that's awesome" said one fan, who received 23,000 likes for that comment.

"I love how the team-mates kept the security back!" said another.

There is no surprise this truly selfless act has amassed such a colossal social media audience. It is one of the kindest moments in sporting history, let alone rugby.

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