Tourney bosses hope for late entries

While the logistics have been sorted out to run the event, organisers of the annual Te Tini A Maui tournament are still hoping for a late walk-up of teams to compete in the central rugby event at City College this weekend.

The Whanganui Maori Rugby Board won the right to host the Maori rugby competition, the first time it has been held outside of Palmerston North in 10 years.

Board chairman Alan Davis said at one point they had hoped for 30 teams to attend, but the timeframe to put on the event and having to accept the first weekend of March meant not every potential squad could take part.

"It makes it hard as everybody's going into club season and preseason."

There are 10-13 teams confirmed so far, including three from hosts Whanganui, while others are coming from Taranaki, Wairarapa, Wellington, Manawatu and Horowhenua-Kapiti.

There are no entries from Hawke's Bay and East Coast.

There are confirmed games for the Tane (senior men), Wahine (women's) and Taiohi (Under 18) grades, while Davis said they remain hopeful of including Rangatahi (Under 20).

There will be roughly 3-4 teams for each grade, playing 30 minute matches.

"If it's [weather] like this on Saturday and Sunday, it's going to be hot," Davis said.

Vaan Rauhina, the tough 54-game veteran prop for Steelform Wanganui, will coach the Whanganui Tane, as his playing career remains on hold after last season's leg operation.

Games kickoff tomorrow at 10am and play through until 5pm, and then on Sunday from 11am-4pm.

Entry is free.