‘Great’ festival

The Wakatipu under-11 junior rugby team finished in the top eight of 24 at its first showing in the New Zealand Junior Rugby Festival, held in Taupo at the weekend.

The team is pictured with the Fujitajuku team, from Japan, after their match.

Co-coach Steve McIsaac said in total 98 teams in the under-9 to under-13 age groups competed, including an under-11 team from Japan.

The tournament attracts teams from across New Zealand and Australia, and one team from outside transtasman is usually present.

While the Japanese team finished in the bottom eight, Mr McIsaac said for the Wakatipu children - the only South Island team in their age group - the match against that side was ``the highlight''.

``It was well worth it ... we'll definitely go back. It was great.''

Mr McIsaac said the Wakatipu side would next compete in the South Island event, being held in Queenstown from September 23 to 25.