Touch New Zealand is pleased to announce the squad lists for our Touch Blacks teams heading to Mudgee to represent Aotearoa at the 2026 Asia Pacific Opens Touch Cup (APOTC).

The 2026 APOTC will be hosted at Glen Willow Regional Sports Complex in Mudgee, Australia, with the tournament running from Thursday, 23 April to Sunday, 26 April 2026. The inaugural event is set to feature more than 500 players from 15 countries, highlighting the rapid global growth and strength of international touch.

This campaign marks a new era for the Touch Blacks programme, with an all-new coaching and management team leading the charge. The squads will be guided by Head Coaches Shane Edwards (Women), Roy Prasad (Mixed), and Luke Chapman (Men), each bringing fresh perspective, leadership, and ambition to the international stage.

The selected squads reflect a balanced blend of emerging talent and experienced campaigners, combining fresh, new energy with proven performance at the highest level.

The named squads include 16 travelling players in each team, alongside four non-travelling reserves. These athletes remain an important part of the wider squad and will stay prepared to step in should injury or unforeseen circumstances arise.

Touch New Zealand acknowledges the commitment, resilience, and professionalism of all selected players, recognising the vital role each individual plays in the success of the programme.

Touch Blacks Mixed Head Coach Roy Prasad emphasised the importance of cultural identity and connection within his group:

“The concept of Legacy. We are just caretakers of the jersey. I want to see our group know who came before us on and off the field, I want our Whakapapa reinforced, ensuring we honour the contributions of those who have strengthened the threads that make our jersey. To connect our group to what their families have sacrificed for them to train, travel and play in Mudgee this year. I’m just so excited to see us play.”

Touch Blacks Women’s Head Coach Shane Edwards spoke to the deeper meaning of success beyond results:

“Success is measured by the self-knowledge that we each did everything we could to succeed and learning what our next step forward is. Respecting the past by learning and knowing we stand on the shoulders of giants, of those that came before us.”

With anticipation building, the Touch Blacks are set to proudly represent Aotearoa on the international stage, carrying forward a legacy of excellence while embracing the opportunity to inspire the next generation of players and supporters.

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Article added: Thursday 02 April 2026