Crusaders fans often go to extraordinary lengths to show their true colours.

Nelson Evening Mail 12 April 2005

They wear Crusaders rugby jerseys, scarves and hats, get their faces painted red and black and brandish imitation swords. But Nelson schoolboy Harley Trewavas only needs to smile to show where his Super 12 loyalties lie.

The 13-year-old Nayland College student was this week fitted with decorative red and black, rugby ball-shaped braces. He had no trouble convincing his parents, also Crusaders fans, to pay for the extra costs of the braces.

Nelson orthodontist Andrew Marriott said the decorative "Wildsmile'' braces had to be imported from the US. They cost around $50 each, about twice that of normal braces.

According to Harley, it was money well spent. He had yet to show his rugby ball braces to his schoolmates but was expecting a positive reaction.

"I've just had them put on yesterday so I haven't been to school yet,'' Harley said. "They'll probably have a good laugh because they're all Crusaders fans too.''

Although Harley was the first patient at Nelson Orthodontics to be fitted with rugby ball braces, Mr Marriott said a number of teenagers opted for decorative braces. Braces had gone from geek to chic with teenagers flashing flowers, love hearts and stars when they smiled.

"About 20 percent of the people I fit with braces want something like this," Mr Marriott said. "I even have some kids coming in wanting braces they don't really need.''

The only concern was that Harley may change allegiances. He needs to wear his Crusaders braces for at least 18 months.

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