Rugby: Johnny Isaacs Memorial Tournament hailed a success

The annual Johnny Isaacs Memorial Maori Rugby Tournament was again a huge success with an unprecedented crowd of 1500 people in attendance at the United Kawakawa Rugby Club in Taumarere to witness a truly Maori cultural event.

The local Kawakawa Business Association sponsored a free train from the Kawakawa Township to the rugby club - an approximate 20-minute journey for players and supporters - which was a unique opportunity for all.

Local schools entertained the massive crowd with kapa haka and teams performed inspiring haka both before and after games.

Organiser Hector Davies said it was a hugely successful day.

"Without a doubt it was the biggest crowd since we restarted the competition," he said.

"Having the train made a big difference, it was special.

"The other thing was seeing all the raw talent on display. There's a competitive fire between the North (Country) and South (City) zones.

"We do have the regular Saturday competitions but the tournament gave the country boys the chance to take on city players."

For the record the South Zone won the coveted Johnny Isaacs trophy in the senior game which was a true example of Maori rugby with both teams putting everything on the line with big collisions.

All games were played in true community spirit and showed for the second year running that Maori rugby in Tai Tokerau is stronger than ever and that this is a special event on the Northland rugby calendar.

Davies said the tournament was a great place to uncover talent.

"There were some bone-crunching hits and some raw competition," he said.

"Especially in the 17s and 19s there were some unknown guys that stood out. The unheralded players get their chance to shine.

"To be able to have a Maori tournament like this is unique to Northland and that's a great thing."

Taitokerau Maori Rugby Representative teams will be selected to play in the Te Hiku O Te Ika (Northern Regions) Maori Rugby Tournaments in September and October with Taitokerau hosting the first tournament in Whangarei on September 30.