Rugby: Tourney back to the quality of old

North Zone seniors holding the Johnny Isaacs' trophy following their 55-17 win over the South Zone.

A change of date and focus resulted in a rejuvenated and successful Johnny Isaacs' Maori Rugby Tournament.

The tournament had lacked players and momentum in the past but this year brought it back to the status it enjoyed five years ago.

Northland Rugby Union CEO Jeremy Parkinson said the change of the Maori representative window from March to October took a lot of the players out of consideration because of their selection in Northland representative sides.

"This is the first year the Northland Maori Board have utilised Queen's Birthday Monday for the fixtures which proved a success for the under-14, under-16 and under-18 matches," he said.

Game day honours were split between the North and South Zones.

The South Zone (Whangarei, Northern Wairoa and Rodney/Otamatea) gained victory in the under-14s and under-16s matches, however the North (Bay of Islands, Hokianga and Mangonui) showed dominance in the under-18s and seniors.

The two zones could not be split in an entertaining draw between the two invitation women's sides.

Organiser Hector Davies said the tournament was a great success.

"It was massive. I've never seen such a big crowd at the club (United Kawakawa Rugby Club). There was lots of support, especially at the junior games," he said.

The Johnny Isaacs trophy was won by the North Zone seniors, captained by Baden Woodman. Woodman is the son of former All Black Kawhena Woodman.

Davies says the Northland Rugby Union hailed the event as a great success.

"They are backing the tournament for next year."

He also said the tournament showcased a lot of the younger talent around Northland.

"There were some quality players in the age group games. The competition is important for those younger players as a pathway for future success in rugby.

"The challenge is keeping the younger players up here."

A great day of rugby was topped off by an announcement to congratulate Percy Erceg, who was recently made a life member of the New Zealand Maori Rugby Board.

Erceg, brought up in Waipapakauri, played four international matches for the All Blacks and was a national Maori selector from 1972 to 1983.

Erceg said he was thrilled, but the honour wasn't something he was expecting.

"It is an achievement I am honoured by, but I didn't work especially towards it," he said.

Of the tournament, he said the organisation was excellent and they couldn't have asked for a better turnout from players and spectators alike.