Rugby: Unions rally behind U 19 tournament in Taupo

Counties Manukau ITM Cup coach Tana Umaga is taking a different approach with his Under 19s, as it is the first time. Photo / Sarah Ivey

It remains to be seen how seriously some unions take the inaugural national Under-19 tournament kicking off in Taupo this weekend, but it shapes as an important developmental and talent ID tool.

The full name of the competition, to be played over three days from Sunday to October 4, is the Jock Hobbs Memorial national Under 19 tournament, while the names of Graham Mourie, Michael Jones and Sir John Graham will be on the trophies.

New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew says he is "pretty excited" about the week.

"The noise out there is that all the unions are taking it seriously."

He said it was "appropriate" that Auckland had two sides competing, given the strategic drive into the region and the playing numbers, as was the inclusion of a New Zealand Heartland XV from all the 12 amateur unions. Thirteen of that team are playing in the Heartland Championship.

Auckland ITM Cup coach Paul Feeney will be keeping a very close eye on the talent, and most of the best Auckland players of that age, other than those in his ITM Cup squad, will be turning out.

"We view that as a very important tournament, so our very best under 19s will play, including Colts players. Our A side is very strong, and our Bs aren't bad either," he said.

The likes of loose forwards Akira Ioane and Mitch Karpik, both 2013 NZ Schools reps, will be in the Auckland A team.

Feeney says it is hard to tell who or how many will filter through to ITM Cup next year or in 2016.

"It depends on form next year, and how much weight some of them put on next season. If they are good enough, they'll play ITM Cup."

Counties Manukau ITM Cup coach Tana Umaga is taking a different approach with his Under 19s, as it is the first time.

"It's a great pathway, but our Bs and Development sides are going to bring guys through to the Steelers. That could change with the advent of this, and more players will hopefully want to stay in our union and play this tournament," he said.

*Tew said the identity of the 18th Super Rugby franchise from 2016 will be revealed next weekend after a Sanzar meeting in Johannesburg.

He also hoped the next All Blacks coach would be named before the end of 2015, should Steve Hansen step down post-RWC.