Competition is heating up within the Bayleys Southern Districts Premiers and Premier Reserves grades.

Northland has about 3000 children playing rugby - but not all of them can afford the regulation footwear.

Regional 1-5 Year Finals for the Mercedes Trophy will be played at the Hikurangi greens this Saturday.

The traditional Saturday under-18 rugby competition will not be held this year, however, Northland Rugby Union (NRU) officials are adamant they can resurrect it in the future.

The Taniwha look set to benefit from the expertise of a new assistant coach who has come through one of the country's most successful coaching systems.