The best in the Provinces battle for big titles

Media Release – 28 February 2009 -

2009 New Zealand Community Trust National Touch Championships

The best in the Provinces battle for National titles

Petone Recreation Grounds, Petone, Hutt City, Wellington

Masters Sat 28th Feb – Monday March 3rd Youth and Open Wed 4th March – Sat 7th March

There are 57 teams over the next 9 days that will compete in their grades to be crowned the best in NZ for 2009. The provincial pride in Touch is extremely high and a lot of work has been put in by those selected so they can perform to the best of their ability. It’s fast, dynamic and passionate, which makes it exciting to watch.

Traditionally Counties Manukau, Canterbury and Wellington have all been strong contenders in various grades, the big question is “will they be up to it this year, or have the other provinces been sneaking up to take over the titles.

The Provinces attending are: Counties Manukau Auckland Waikato Bay of Plenty Kapiti Horowhenua Manawatu Wanganui Wellington Nelson Canterbury Otago Southland NZ Defence Force (invitational)

Touch Black Squads naming In addition to playing for the national title, Youth and Open players are playing for a possible selection into the National team, The Touch Blacks, to compete against Australia in April 2009 in Wollongong NSW. The touring squad of 14 plus reserves will be named at 5.00pm on Saturday 7th March, post the final round in the National Championships. It might be someone from your area, so either come and down and join us or check the website at 5.00pm for the full listing.

If you would like to follow the progress daily with draws and results, plus news of the day you can do so at www.touchnz.co.nz and follow the link on the home page. Should you wish to interview any of the participating athletes please let me know, Julie Monaghan, and I will arrange it for you.

This tournament is being proudly partnered by Hutt City Council & includes support from NZCT, Radio Sport, & Touch NZ preferred suppliers Kia Kaha, Skins, Nomis and Mitre.

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