The best of New Zealand's young provincial talent is in action in Taupo as the annual Jock Hobbs Memorial National Under 19 tournament gets under way today (BOP v North Harbour, 1.40pm).
Sixteen teams from around New Zealand will compete for the Michael Jones Trophy (Championship) and the Graham Mourie Cup (Premiership) - both to be presented on finals day next week.
More than 400 players will be in action as the September 14-21 tournament returns to Taupo for the third year since its inception including a team selected from Heartland Championship provinces.
In the Premiership, Canterbury will be looking to make it back-to-back titles after beating Waikato 41-35 in the final last year. The Championship saw Counties Manukau take out a last gasp 32-28 win over Tasman to claim the Michael Jones Trophy.
This year's tournament will feature a member of the women's referees squad for the first time with Rebecca Mahoney on the roster. She takes charge of the Heartland v Tasman match today, kick-off at 3.20pm (to be televised).