October 19, 2016
Touch veterans share skills with Chinese
A group of veteran touch rugby players are in Shanghai to play the game and pass on their skills.
Spokesperson Wade Brunsdon from the Suns Touch Club says the impetus came from China Southern Airlines staffer Blair Haeata who alerted them to the national tournament.
What started as a fun trip by a bunch of mates to compete in the open section got bigger once tournament organisers googled the team and found it included former internationals.
They were asked to run clinics in schools as well as for the other teams on the eve of the tournament.
Mr Brunsdon says he has seen Chinese players in action in this country.
"Playing for Counties Thirties earlier this year at the nationals, North Harbour had a few ethnic boys in their team. They were hard to defend. If we can go there and help people be better touch players, it will be better for the world of touch and hopefully our next touch world cup," he says.
Wade Brunsdon says the kiwi team is favourite to win the men’s open section.
Copyright © 2016, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com