Touch Nationals: Touch is a way of life for Bay of Plenty's Stone family

Maurice Stone Jnr playing for the Bay of Plenty Men's Open team at the 2019 Bunnings National Touch Championships in Rotorua. Photo / Ben Fraser

Touch is a way of life for Bay of Plenty's Stone family - and they were in the thick of the action at the national championships at the weekend.

The 2019 Bunnings National Touch Championship started in Rotorua on March 1 and finished yesterday with Maurice Stone Jr and brother Shaquille playing in the Bay of Plenty Open Men's team that placed fifth after beating Canterbury in their final classification game.

That team was coached by their father, Maurice senior, and managed by mum Laurie Watt. There were also a couple of their cousins playing at the weekend and their younger sister is also a New Zealand representative. The Stone family genes have obliviously carried significant talent.

"My dad played for the New Zealand men and mum played for the mixed team. I have been in it since I could walk," 32-year-old Maurice jr says.

"My dad and his four brothers were highly involved in rugby and league. I have always been around touch fields, I was dragged along to trainings and tournaments and it became a way of life. I didn't know anything else but to play the game."

Maurice jr says he and Shaquille share a good connection on the field.

"Playing with my brother comes from the time we spent in the backyard. We understand each other and can make plays without saying anything. We are quite lucky as a family, don't get into it too much off the field. Sometimes a few different views than dad off the field."

Maurice jr and Shaquille will play for the Touch Blacks at the World Cup in Kuala Lumpur next month but Maurice says playing in the Rotorua module is a big part of the Stone family's life.

"That whanau environment is great. It is one of the only sports where you can all play on the pitch at same time. There are not many where a grandparent and a grandchild can play together in a competitive sport. It keeps you fit and out of trouble and you get to travel the world.

Maurice jr says building the future of the sport through youngsters is important.

"One of the key factors is ensuring teams as pathways for higher honours. We are trying to start them from a young age so they understand the processes of playing the game. We want to give them that knowledge before they get to high school, so they can flourish when they get there."

The Bay's best result came from the Over 40 women's team who won their section. They won all six games in their double round robin, earning a place in yesterday's final where they beat North Harbour 6-3 to secure first place.

The Bay men's Over 40 team placed second after losing to Canterbury in the final. Their only loss was to Canterbury in the round robin.

Bay of Plenty Under 21 Mixed player Calais Adams during their final loss to Counties Manakau. Photo / Ben Fraser

Bay teams' final placings:
Under-21 mixed 2nd
Open men 5th
Open mixed 4th
Over-27 women 2nd
Over-40 women 1st
Over-40 men 2nd
Over-45 men 2nd