April 16, 2024
Young players keeping rugby league fresh
Aotearoa NZ Māori Rugby League will hold the first of six annual tournaments – with the Under 13s and 14s Teina Tama Tournament in Rotorua this weekend.
Chair John Devonshire says 53 teams are set to compete.
The tournaments have become as much about culture as sport.
“It certainly is tremendous, o f course starting with haka and powhiri, and coming in the colour and the kids just love celebrating being Maori and where they’re from. I’ve done a lot of things in the game but it keeps bringing me joy, year after year,” Mr Devonshire says.Huge growth in the girls’ game means they now have their own tournament in June – with up to 32 teams expected.