The inaugural Junior Rugby Festival successfully kicked off last weekend, with 15 teams from across the North Island hosted by the Te Teko and Paroa Rugby Clubs.

Players, coaches and supporters had nothing but praise for the festival and their Whakatāne hosts. Kingi Matenga from the winning Te Kawau Manawatu team said the weekend could not have been better.

“It was amazing all round. The games were great, and staying at a marae was an amazing experience for the kids. Most of them had never stayed on a marae or experienced a powhiri. Our hosts were awesome,” he said.

“Going to the Kawerau hot pools on Saturday night for a swim and barbeque with all the teams was also a highlight. Whakatāne really put it on for us.”

The festival follows on from the Junior Rugby League Festival held in Whakatāne last month. Tyrone Campbell from Global Games (the organisation behind the festivals) said the events were all about providing opportunities and experiences for young players.

“As well as a great sports competition, we want to give the kids a fantastic experience off the field. It’s about broadening their horizons and showing them what life has to offer.”

Mr Campbell said the response to the festivals had been very positive, and he hoped the festivals would grow and attract more teams from throughout New Zealand and overseas.