Christchurch to host Touch Nationals

Christchurch is delighted to be hosting the 25th National Touch
Championships early next year at QEII Park Recreation and Sports Centre
in partnership with Touch NZ.

Touch is a strong sport in Canterbury: the region had the largest
contingent of players at the nationals this year in Auckland.

Nazea Silbery, captain of the Touch Blacks (open men), is from
Canterbury. Twenty-three of the Touch Blacks in the open men's, women's
and mixed teams come from the region as do 11 players in the youth NZ
teams.

An estimated 70 teams are expected at the nationals, to be held from 27
February to 5 March 2011.

The last time they were held in Christchurch was 2005. Touch NZ CEO Joe
Sprangers, Wellington, says "we are very excited to be back in
Christchurch after such a long time. As a coach last time we were there,
I enjoyed the experience immensely. The facilities were first class and
the support we received from Christchurch City Council and the general
public was outstanding".

This is Touch NZ's premium event and the public will see the best Touch
in New Zealand when they come along.

Play starts with three days of masters competition followed by a lay day
on 2 March. The next three days will be for youth and open grades.
National representative squads are expected to be announced after the
finals on Saturday 5 March.