Rugby: U-19s strut stuff at tournament

Blair Guy of Northland in action during the Jock Hobbs Memorial Under-19 Tournament match against Southland.

The chance for Northland's Under-19 rugby side to strut their stuff against the nation's best has been a resounding success, head coach Mark Wells says of the recent Jock Hobbs Memorial National Under-19 Tournament.

Aside from playing several gripping fixtures, which included a narrow 23-22 loss to Southland, a satisfying 22-16 win over a Heartland XV and a 20-7 loss to Bay of Plenty in their final match, Northland's up-and-coming players were treated to position-specific training from some of the country's leading coaches and analysts.

"It was a real eye-opener for a lot of the players as to what the level should be for that age group and what they can achieve," Wells said.

"Not only is the rugby a higher level, but the player's seminars were very good ... everyone found them to be very valuable.

"The whole structure of the tournament was outstanding, so it was a real credit to the New Zealand Rugby Union for putting it on."

Showing their moves in front of several Super Rugby coaches - including Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder, Chiefs head coach Dave Rennie and former Hurricanes head coach Mark Hammet - the opportunity to pursue a professional career in rugby was spread out in front of Northland's players, Wells said.

"I'm sure a few of them are going to kick-on, a few of them won't, but good luck to the ones that do."

Securing the Graham Mourie Cup, Canterbury's Under-19s won the premiership division of the tournament after beating Waikato 41-35, while Counties Manukau won the Michael Jones Trophy after overcoming Tasman in the championship division.

New Zealand Rugby general manager of rugby Neil Sorensen said: "The tournament was an outstanding success on and off the field, with all teams delivering quality and competitive performances."

"The tournament provided the perfect bridge for players between secondary school and the under-20 age group, delivering a great pathway for our young players to develop their game before moving up through the ranks.

"We expect the vast majority of players who will go on to represent New Zealand at the World Rugby Under-20 Championship next year will have played over the three days," he said.