SOME have described it as the most significant sporting event ever to grace Darlington's 25,000-seat stadium.

The autumn air was heavy with anticipation and optimism in those seemingly never-ending few moments before the gladiators arrived in the arena.

Fashionably late for the 9.30am curtain call – in actual fact by just a few short minutes – the All Blacks were certainly worth the wait.

Days like this seemed light years away in 2012 when Darlington FC took its leave with its hypothetical tail firmly between its legs.

Darlington Mowden Park rugby club has been a breath of fresh for the area, slowly turning the stadium from a white elephant into a thriving community hub.

Certain events had provided glimpses of the potential to turn this corner of Darlington into a rugby hotbed – not least the world record Haka attempt and international double header in March, or Mowden's dramatic play-off victory last year.

But the arrival of the unforgettable All Blacks topped the lot.

Everything seemed to fall into place – from the Haka welcome by youngsters from Rydal Academy, one of the school's closest to the stadium, to singer Millie Underwood's pitch-perfect musical accompaniments.

From the madcap catch-as-many-rugby-balls-as-possible competitions to the serious business of the All Blacks-inspired coaching sessions that will have scores of youngsters dreaming of rugby world cup glory.

Mowden director of rugby Danny Brown was instrumental in getting the All Blacks to Darlington.

Reflecting on the success of the event, he said: "For us to be able to give the All Blacks a send-off like this is a credit to the town. All the work that has gone into making this happen has been so worthwhile.

"The last time the All Blacks were able or willing to do an event as big as this was 2011.

"They do community engagement wherever they go, but nothing on this scale for a few years.

"I take my hat off to them for doing this in the middle of the biggest competition of their lives."

For all Darlington has been impressed by the All Blacks, the feeling is certainly mutual.

Experienced hooker Keven Mealamu said: "It's been really special to see so many fans here. I certainly didn't expect to be welcomed on by a Haka from one of the local schools, but that was brilliant.

"It's been really awesome to see a crowd like this up in Darlington.

"Hopefully we can pick up a few new fans. It's been great to see this many people here and a lot of kids enjoying themselves.

"A few of the kids have been asking for tips and there are some pretty useful players up here. It's been great to share those tips and hopefully they'll have enjoyed themselves.

"I thought the Haka was right up there, they performed it really well. It was done with a lot of passion and a lot of energy and they should be really proud of their effort.

"It's unbelievable to think how far-reaching the All Blacks can be.

"We're from the other side of the world but we can walk into a stadium in Darlington and get greeted by a Haka. That's pretty special."

Scrum half Tawera Kerr-Barlow added: "It's a huge turnout and it's so nice to see so many children here.

"It's been incredible to be here. Everywhere we go we get a lovely reception.

"The staff and everyone down at Rockliffe, where we've been staying, they're incredible.

"We're not really used to staying in a hotel that's that flash.

"Everyone is enjoying it, you have your serious moments at the Rugby World Cup. but it's great to have occasions like this where the public can come along and you can really connect with them too.

"It's great that people have turned out to show their appreciation for us, and hopefully a lot of them can get behind us as we continue through the tournament."