Tomorrow marks the beginning of the National Touch Tournament which will be held in Papakura.
It is estimated that around one thousand players from all across the country will attend.
This will be the first time the different age groups will all come together to one national competition. Te Kāea spoke to Luke Wātene, one of the players of the Counties Manukau team about what the desires of the local teams are.
Lance Wātene is the president for the Counties Manukau Touch club and is proud of what his club achieved last year
This will be one of the biggest Touch Nationals seen, with this being the first time all three grades will come together under one Nationals. Tomorrow will see senior, Open and youth touch players all at one Nationals
The tournament will also serve as a pathway for players to be selected in the NZ squads. However the focus for Lance is on his team and knowing the tough games they will play this weekend
Tonight the competing teams will be welcomed with a pōhiri.