11 March 2008
The 22nd NZ Open National Touch Tournament has just concluded in Wanganui. Held between 1 – 4 March 2008. It was a particularly significant occasion for NZDF Touch as the first NZDF Women’s team to compete in fifteen years was entered in this top level National tournament. The standard of provincial Touch was at its usual exceptional level and a great experience for the NZDF.
The level of talent across the forces was very apparent at the Touch Inter-Services tournament held in Devonport in February this year, and it was decided to enter an NZDF Women’s team into the Nationals. 2007 was a great foundation year from which to build the skill level and experience which will, undoubtedly, become stronger next year with a larger player base to select from and with the retention of players already competing in provincial sides outside of the NZDF. 
With a finishing place of 7th at the National Tournament, the NZDF Women’s team was competitive and progressed in skill level throughout, gaining some valuable experience for the years to follow. The competition included Canterbury; who are now three time National champs; Auckland, Waikato, Counties and North Harbour. Overall, it was a solid effort that the women can be proud of. A big thank you needs to go to CPL Eugene Hepi for coaching us during the training camp and passing on his extensive Touch knowledge!
Not only was this great exposure for the women playing but also for the NZDF. There were many questions asked about who we were and a lot of interest in our involvement within the Services, but more so that we attended under duty and did not have to pay the usual $300 - $800 that is usual per provincial player… A great recruiting opportunity!
The team stayed at the Wanganui Army Office for the duration and their hospitality was fantastic, so a big thank you to the team there!
For the team to be more successful next year, it will be imperative that we have top level coaches for the tournament, either from within the Services or civilians who can bring experience and up to date game plans to the team. Also, that we name the team early in order to better prepare with a number of training camps prior and participation in the high profile Whakatane Tournament held in January each year. With this build up to Nationals and more availability of the players at next year’s Inter-Services Tournament, we are looking strong for the NZ Nationals 2009.