We are committed to creating and delivering high-performance opportunities for elite players, coaches, referees, and support staff. Our program is strategically designed to develop world-class athletes and support networks, with a focus on talent identification, recruitment, selection, training, development, and ongoing assessment.

We take a targeted approach to cultivating excellence across all levels of the game, ensuring that athletes, coaches, and referees are supported and challenged. Each individual’s progress is monitored in their team environments through performance testing, strength and conditioning programmes that are evidence based and training programmes that are tailored to specific needs and goals.

Given the unique nature of our sport, our focus spans across three core categories: Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed divisions, with each receiving dedicated attention throughout the development pathway.

The program begins at the Emerging Person Programme (EPP) level, where we focus on fostering the next generation of talent. This foundational stage aims to develop both the athletes and the broader Touch community.

The Youth Programme provides an introduction to international competition, with opportunities to compete in prestigious events such as the Asia-Pacific Youth Touch Cup and the Youth Trans-Tasman series, setting the stage for high-level performance.

The Touch Blacks Programme represents the pinnacle of the sport, where elite athletes and coaches compete at the highest global standards. Our goal is to be world champions, consistently competing against the best in the world through the Trans-Tasman series, Asia-Pacific Cup and World Cup events.

Our Master's Programme offers continued international representation opportunities, with multiple age grades ranging from 30+ Women’s to Over 55 Men’s, allowing athletes to continue to challenge their performance throughout their careers.

The Referee's Programme nurtures our officials striving to be the best in the world, ensuring that the standard of officiating works to an elite level across all competitions.

At every level, our programmes are working with a shared vision to accelerate the development of athletes, coaches, and officials, with the ultimate aim of establishing the Touch Blacks as the number one team in the world.