The New Zealand Junior Rugby Festival, run by non-profit organisation Global Games, is now in its 14th year in the resort — this year it’s attracted 42 under-10, 11, 12 and 13 teams from the Far North to the deep South, including 13 teams from Central Otago, who’ll be based at the Queenstown Events Centre from Friday till Sunday.
Festival founder Tyrone Campbell says they added an extra day this year to give the players, and their families, some more time in the region.
"Everyone loves coming to Central Otago, so it’s an opportunity to use sport as a vehicle to come down ... bearing in mind, the majority of these families would never get the chance to come down to a place like Queenstown.
"The supporters make up the biggest contingent — every child brings, on average, 2.4 adults, and then they’ve got siblings [coming] as well."
Adding to the excitement this year’s the addition of former All Blacks Campbell Johnstone and James Ryan, who’ll be on hand to lend their support.
Johnstone says he’s "super-excited" to give back to the game which has given him so much.
"What really astounds me is the incredible people working behind the scenes — their drive, their passion and their commitment to making these events truly special for grassroots rugby.
"It’s a privilege to be part of something that celebrates the heart of our game and the communities that make it thrive."
Campbell says they’re also making this event as "child-led" as possible — young players, the majority of whom are locals, will MC Friday's opening ceremony, which starts at 10am, be guest speakers and sing the national anthem.
Games will continue till about 4pm Friday, then from 9am till 4pm on Saturday and from 9am till about 1.30pm on Sunday, after which there’ll be a prizegiving.
