Five touch rugby events on the cards
Counties Manukau is bracing itself for it’s busiest touch season, ever.
A total of five national, Trans Tasman and world championship events will be staged between early December and March next year and the thousands of players, officials and supporters who will attend these will be a boon for businesses in Papakura and Manurewa especially.
It kicks off with the three secondary school nationals at Bruce Pulman Park, Papakura on December 9 and concludes with the World Masters Games starting at the same venue on April 21.
Nestled in between are the Trans Tasman youth series for 18 - 20-year-olds to be held at Mountfort Park, Manurewa starting on January 20, the national junior championships for 16 - 18-year-olds starting at Bruce Pulman Park on February 10 and the New Zealand under-21s, open and masters championships starting at Bruce Pulman Park on March 3.
Counties Manukau Sport’s sport development advisor for Papakura and Manurewa, Guy Barton says the South Auckland touch community will never have it this good.
‘‘This is massive for touch in the region. It’s an opportunity to see the best juniors and senior players in the country showcase their skills while the Trans Tasman and Masters will offer an international flavour. It’s really exciting.’’
Barton says securing the Trans Tasman series was a coup.
‘‘This is a series that has been played at Waitakere Stadium in Henderson over the years. Touch NZ, Counties Manukau Touch and Counties Manukau Sport with the support of the Papakura and Manurewa Local Boards got together and tendered for this year’s event and were success.
‘‘This is huge. It will be played on the football field in front of the club house at Mountfort Park and will feature six games a day over three days.
‘‘The local kids will be spoilt. They’ll be able to walk to the park and watch international touch, all in their own backyard.’’
The secondary school nationals will be one of the biggest fields. A total of 48 boys, girls and mixed teams from all over New Zealand had to qualify for what’s described as one of touch’s most prestigious competitions. Some 800 athletes and 200 coaches and support staff will attend the event.