TE Aroha Mani says refereeing at the Touch World Cup in England in July was a memorable experience at which she made many lifelong friends.

The Ōpōtiki woman was one of 44 referees from New Zealand taking part in the World Cup, making the trip to Nottingham in July with fellow Eastern Bay referee Kiri Martin.

Mani said there were 39 nations, 187 teams and 4000 players, coaches, referees and support staff taking part in the event, which ran from July 15 to 21.

“I received my international blazer, a personal goal since 2019.”

Mani was appointed three 40-minute games a day for seven days and enjoyed her time on the field.

“All the players were really respectful – that was a breath of fresh air.”

She said the European nations did not have the same exposure to touch as the countries down under, which resulted in Australia dominating the World Cup.

“New Zealand was second in terms of medals, with its 40 men’s team winning New Zealand’s only gold medal,” she said.

“The other nations are not quite at the same level.”

They stayed at one of Nottingham’s universities, which she describes as a “comfortable” experience.

Sharing a common interest, it was not surprising that Mani made lots of new friends during the event.

She and her mother visited one of them after the Cup.

“We stayed with a new friend in London before flying home,” she said.

“Our new friend will stay with us while she visits New Zealand to referee next year.”

Mani is grateful to all the sponsors who supported her world cup journey.

“They are a generous group of individuals and companies – Kā nui te mihi ki ngā tāngata/kamupene, i tautoko mai i taku haerenga ki te whakataetae o te ao pā whutupōrō,” she said.

The next Touch World Cup in 2028 will be in New Zealand, at a location yet to be decided.