Shaun Johnson may not have been there, but there was still plenty of star power at the 37th annual Whakatāne Touch Tournament, held at Rex Morpeth Park and Rugby Park last Saturday.

Former All Blacks Piri Weepu, Pita Alatini, Carlos Spencer and 100-test fullback Mils Muliaina were part of a Babaz team that played in a short but exciting exhibition match against a Peter Walters’ invitational side.

Ōpōtiki’s Willie Walker, who is coach of the Blues women’s Super Rugby Aupiki side, and also played for the New Zealand Māori and Highlanders, was another in the Barbarians, as was the talented and well-liked former league star, Wairangi Koopu.

Another high-profile attendee at the tournament was former Queensland Maroons halfback and current NRLW Broncos head coach Scott Prince, who lined up for the AZ1 over 35 team.

Niall Guthrie, the sister of Sonny Bill Williams, was also at the tournament.

While the talent and excitement were there, crowd numbers looked down on previous years.  

As many expected, it was a Pearl Jam and Wairere final in the open men’s division, with the thrilling contest a repeat of the 2024 decider, with Pearl Jam making it back-to-back crowns with a 9-5 victory.

On their way to victory, Pearl Jam had to get past the likes of Sumthins Burning, Nippy’s, Jedi and hometown team Full Circle in pool play, before defeating Playing Up men 9-7 in their semifinal.

In the women’s final, Playing Up scored a 7-5 victory over Legacy to make it a second successive title.

They powered their way past Full Circle and AZ1 women, before defeating Pearl Jam in their semifinal.

The Restricted Men’s grade was taken out by D-Mac, with Bulletz second and local team Texas Ova Hundeez finished third, thanks to their play-off win over Pahou’s Lion Low.

Acez and Wahs were first and second in the restricted women’s division, while the restricted mixed grade was taken out by 1SK with Te Kawau Maaro runner up.

Over 35s was taken out by AZ1, who were victorious over Playin Up.

Committee member Rod Walker said while commentating, the tournament was aimed around reconnection.

“The tournament for me is all about reconnecting family, whānau and all the players that come back from offshore to play here. It’s always been family values based. If one person is in there, you will more than likely be dragged in to help out and this is how I have been here for so many years just helping out in the background.”

An Eastern Bay team that had an absolute blast was the Mudchickenz, which saw plenty of family combinations on the field.

The Mudchickenz reformed this year to celebrate a quarter century of being created by club founder William Peri-August and playing in the tournment.

“The Mudchickenz entered this year to celebrate 25 years since we first ever entered the competition,” said manager Peni August-Tiatoa.

“There were six of us from when we first started the team that took the field alongside our kids, and the highlight for us was that we got to play alongside our kids who used to sit on the sideline while we played.

“We absolutely enjoy being a part of the tournament as it’s awesome to see the old and new talent coming through and being able to create memories and new friendships.”

Whakatāne Full Circle open women’s coach Rahera Rauwhero-Stainton was proud of her team.

“The girls really left it all out there. At the moment, we aren’t really results-driven, but we definitely have high expectations of ourselves. So, by the end of the weekend it was awesome to know that not only did we play well, but our hard work led us to place well and put ourselves in a good position for next year.

“A major highlight for our club was being able to bring home our Full Circle Pink women’s team from the Gold Coast, with the help of Sharon Clark and Rua Te Amo.

“The girls got to come and experience the January tournament, as well as showing them the home of our club, our values, and the pūrākau that surround our town.”

She coached alongside her partner, Campbell Maunsell, who also felt encouraged by the girls’  improvement.

“Cam and I are super proud of the girls. We always come into the January tournament with a little more fire in the belly since the tournament is in our own backyard. We’re fortunate to have the majority of the same crew running around together all season, so we have good chemistry and connection that helped us finish strong. Fifth is the best we’ve ever finished so definitely happy with that, but that also means we’ve got some mahi to do to get to that next level of top four.”

Te Teko Ova Hundeez coach Don Te Maipi was pleased to get third in their grade.

A couple of standouts for his side were captain Cole Scott, while Matiu Te Maipi bagged an impressive nine tries.

The tournament will be back in 2026 for its 38th edition and no doubt Pearl Jam will be itching to make it three straight men’s open crowns, while Playing Up will look to do the same in the women’s division.

More photos from this event are available for viewing and ordering at the BEACON office in Pyne Street, Whakatāne