Christchurch has scored a Touch double for Ngā Puna Wai, landing both the 2021 Bunnings National Touch Championship and the 2021 Open and Masters Trans-Tasman Tournament.
Christchurch City Council Events and Arts Manager Lucy Blackmore says the best touch players from Australia and New Zealand will show their skills during the tournament in April.
“We hope that the trans-Tasman travel bubble will be firmly in place so that the two countries can renew their sporting rivalry, with the competition culminating on Anzac Day,” Ms Blackmore says.
“Our best players will be able to warm up for the much anticipated clash of friendly foes at the National Touch Championship in March.”
The combined Trans-Tasman series will run from 22 to 25 April while the National Touch Championship powers up from 4 to 7 March.
“We are thrilled to have landed the competition double as Ngā Puna Wai ‘scoots’ to the top of the in-demand sporting hub list,” Ms Blackmore says.
“More than 1600 people are expected to take part in the National Touch Championship, ensuring a boost for the local economy, while thousands are expected to attend the Trans-Tasman tests.
“The April event really is the pinnacle contest for Touch, outside the World Cup.”
Both events will be open to the public.