The ‘Boy in the Tent’ Max Woosey leads Ireland out against New Zealand for Rugby World Cup epic

A young rugby fan from Braunton whose fundraising exploits living in a tent have made him famous had a weekend he won’t ever forget after being a mascot at the Rugby World Cup crunch quarter final last weekend.

Max Woosey, 13, led Ireland onto the pitch against New Zealand as a ‘Defender of Tomorrow’ and mascot ahead of the two teams battling it out, which saw Ireland narrowly lose out 24-28 to the All Blacks in a titanic battle.

The inspiring teenager, commonly known locally and nationally as ‘The Boy in the Tent’, was awarded the role by Defender Rugby in recognition of his impressive three years spent camping outside, all to raise money for the North Devon Hospice.

Max raised more than £800,000 in memory of his close neighbour Rick, who had encouraged him, before his passing, to use his tent for his next great adventure.

He camped outside in the garden of the family home throughout lockdown, starting at the age of 10 and finishing this year aged 13.

Max has also been awarded a Guinness World Record for the most money raised by camping.

He said of the visit to the Rugby World Cup and his experience: “The absolute best night of my life. I was 20 metres from the All Blacks doing the Haka, it was so noisy in the stadium I couldn’t hear them. I’ve been to Paris twice before and have loved it. But with the RWC the city was full of rugby fans and the atmosphere was amazing!

“And, what an amazing game of rugby. It was so intense and amazingly exciting… The atmosphere in the Stade de France was electric. You could barely hear yourself think it was so loud.

“Ireland made it a real sea of blue, a background of ‘Ireland, Ireland forever standing tall’, except for the occasional interruption by the French fans singing La Marseillaise.”

A total of 96 children have been chosen from around the world by Defender, worldwide partner of Rugby World Cup 2023, for their dedication to making a difference to local communities. 

Each exceptional young person will lead the teams as they walk out onto the pitch throughout the tournament in France.