Two tournaments set to touch down in city

Christchurch has scored a touch double.

Both the 2021 Bunnings National Touch Championship and the 2021 Open and Masters Trans-Tasman Tournament will be held at Ngā Puna Wai in March and April.

The combined transtasman series will run from April 22 to 25 and the national championship from March 4 to 7.

Christchurch City Council events and arts manager Lucy Blackmore said, depending on whether there is a transtasman travel bubble by then, the best touch players from Australia and New Zealand will show off their skills at the tournaments.

“We hope that the transtasman travel bubble will be firmly in place so that the two countries can renew their sporting rivalry, with the competition culminating on Anzac Day,” Blackmore said.

“Our best players will be able to warm up for the much anticipated clash of friendly foes at the National Touch Championship in March.

“More than 1600 people are expected to take part in the National Touch Championship, ensuring a boost for the local economy, while thousands are expected to attend the transtasman tests.

“The April event really is the pinnacle contest for touch, outside the World Cup.”

Both events will be open to the public.