Whakatāne is all set to host the 38th edition of its annual touch tournament this weekend.

The January Touch Tournament, which is the biggest club event of its kind for the sport in New Zealand, would have been on track to celebrate 40 years this year if not for two cancelled tournaments during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tournament committee member Maggie Mita said things were looking great for the weekend.

“Our organising team started planning and completing paperwork early, which has really helped ensure everything is well organised and running smoothly this year.”

“It’s our biggest club tournament and also marks the kickoff of the 2026 season.

“We’re hoping for great weather and look forward to welcoming teams and supporters travelling to our corner of New Zealand.”

Mita said there was plenty of buzz around the tournament with some high-quality players set to show off their dazzling footwork and silky skills.

Like most other years, the tournament is packed with 20 open men’s teams, 10 open women’s teams, 16 restricted men’s teams, eight restricted women’s teams, eight restricted mixed teams and nine over-35 teams, making for plenty of action.

“We are at full capacity this year, with all fields running for almost every round. We received over 130 expressions of interest, and some grades filled within the first six minutes of registrations opening.

“While open women’s numbers are down by a couple of teams, all other grades had significant waiting lists.

“We also have around seven international teams attending – a couple from French Polynesia and the remainder from Australia.

“To accommodate demand, we opened some grade numbers to allow additional teams to participate.

“Unfortunately, due to field space limitations, we weren’t able to accept everyone.”

With such high numbers, there will be no exhibition games this year.

“We don’t have the field space or time available to host any exhibition games this year,” she said.

“However, we are excited to acknowledge Frezin Hot, an Auckland-based club celebrating their 30th anniversary.

“They’ll be bringing over a couple of teams from Australia, and we’re looking forward to seeing which players they have coming over.”

She is pleased to see several Eastern Bay sides entered.

“This year we have seven teams from the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Full Circle from Whakatāne have teams entered in both the open women’s and open men’s grades.

“A new team branching off Full Circle, FreakWinC, will also be competing – they’re a group of young players keen to make their mark this season.

“Uprising from Rūātoki/Whakatāne, Texas Ova Hundees from Te Teko and late addition Wild West, of Whakatāne, are entered in the restricted men’s grade, while Pahou Mixed from Poroporo  and Mudchickenz are competing in the restricted mixed grade.”

Mita said there were a few teams worth keeping an eye on including defending champions Pearl Jam.

“In the open women’s grade, I expect to see familiar contenders again this year, with Playin’ Up, Legacy, Pearl Jam, and Bullets likely to feature in the top four.

“For the open men’s grade, teams to watch include Wairere, Pearl Jam, and AZ1. I also think Nippy’s will be one to keep an eye on — they’re a young, talented group of athletes from Auckland.”

Like other years, tonight’s drop-off is back and is expected to attract a healthy crowd.

Action at Rex Morpeth Park, the Whakatāne Athletic Club and Rugby Park begins tomorrow at 8.30am, with the open women’s grade the first up.