Taupo claims Global Games rugby champs

Taupo’s grass roots rugby looks to be solid with a stunning result at the Global Games NZ Junior Rugby Festival.

Taupo’s Under 10s and under 11s won their divisions with the under 9s coming in runner up.

Manager for the Taupo under 10s Reon Forster said taking out the competition was a huge achievement for the young team.

‘‘We won the final against Papatoetoe and played the semi final against Christchurch and both hadn’t been defeated all day,’’ he said.

‘‘For a little under 10 team to take it out was huge.’’

Forster said defence was key for the squad and a few key players had the extra legs needed to make good scoring plays.

‘‘At this age level being able to make tackles is key,’’ he said. ‘‘There are no conversions to worry about.

‘‘Overall, it was a good weekend of rugby and a great result for Taupo.

‘‘It showed our grass roots rugby is very strong.’’

The Global Games event was a massive rugby festival with more than 2,300 player supported by 10,000 family members in Taupo.

Tyrone Campbell director of Global Games said Taupo was the perfect region to host the event and was not surprised by the big turnout.

’’The picturesque region is the perfect back drop for such an event, with clubs using it as a family holiday each year - this is why we are seeing such large support numbers,’’ he said.

‘‘The local community has played a big part in building this event to a level that has no signs of slowly with 20 per cent growth every year. Our biggest challenge moving forward is we may out grow accommodation available.’’

Taupo Mayor David Trewavas said the Junior Rugby Festival has grown to become a significant event for the Taupo region.

‘‘The festival is a great thing for the Taupo district and provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase the region to visiting teams and supporters,’’ he said.

‘‘Our accommodation providers and tourism operators will be flat out preparing for the influx.’’

On-field, teams aged from under 9 to under 13 tested their mettle at Owen Delany park.

‘‘Owen Delaney Park is our region’s premier sporting venue and it is wonderful that it will be used in such a positive way for this tournament,’’ Trewavas said.