An ambitious idea to introduce the winter version of Touch Rugby to the Northland community, has seen numbers grow beyond expectation. Yesterday, 54 teams turned out at this years Whangārei primary schools winter sports event, which is the most the tournament has had. 

The annual event for year seven and eight students is run by the Whangārei Primary Schools Sports Association (WPSSA) and features other sports like Hockey, Basketball and Gymnastics. 

Northland Rugby Union Touch development officer Hayley-Jade Alex says the turnout would not be possible without the support of volunteers. 

"They made the day yesterday, and it was great. I think that’s where my enjoyment comes from, and I see the success comes through those guys."

Last year, the WPSSA committee was asked by Alex if TURBO Touch could be introduced to the tournament. There were serious concerns and doubts over whether they could field 10 teams. 

As Miss Alex recalls, "They hadn’t heard of the game TURBO Touch, they had no idea, all they had were questions for me. I was confident, and I stood there with confidence, they could see that, so they were willing to give me a chance.” 

In recent time, the Te Tai Tokerau region has enjoyed success, with the under-21 women's side taking out the National Touch Championship title in Auckland this year. It was the first time in 20 years the proud province had sent a team to the tournament, 

“Having those girls come back with a win [was amazing]. That was definitely a win in itself, that as attractive, and we had a lot look up to them,” says Alex.

While there is no secret formula for growing TURBO Touch, the regional development officer believes the game's simplicity will win over those that want to get into the winter version of the game, 

“I think if we can keep it at that, keep it social, keep it simple, the success of the game will continue.”

For more information on how to get into TURBO Touch click here.