2019 Nationals | Preview

Men's Open

The Men’s Open Division has been a two-horse race over the past 2 years with the South East Sharks and North West Blades wielding their dominance over the division at the business end of the competition; showcasing an excellent standard of touch in the 2017 and 2018 finals. Whilst the round games in 2017 and 2018 have been consistently close, the question remains can another Region stake a claim and challenge the Sharks and the Blades come finals?

Women's Open

In recent years, the Women’s Open division has been hotly contested between the South East Sharks, South East Taipans and the Midlands Tigers with all 3 taking home the title once in the past 3 years. Most recently, the Sharks took the honours in 6-4 win over the Taipans in a cagey final. However, the West Wildcats have been chasing the more fancied over the past 2 years and we see this year as the perfect opportunity to strike with new players coming into all 3 teams.

Mixed Open

The 2019 Touch National Mixed Open division has been blown wide open due to the strength in depth and potential in all teams who have entered. Last year’s finalists [Midlands Tigers] and last year’s National Champions [South West Saxons] have assembled strong teams and will fancy their chances again in 2019; both have a balance of experience and youth and will be strong contenders come finals day. The South East Sharks look to be pre-tournament favourites on paper with strength in depth. The West Wildcats have been very successful in recent years in the Mixed Open Division and will look to make a push for a finals spot, as will the 2017 Champions, the North West Blades. Last, but certainly not least is the North East Raiders who once again have an exciting roster of experience and new talent and will be looking to build on their consistent performances in recent years and once again be in with a chance to take home the National Title in 2019.

Junior 15s

The Junior 15s Division once again looks wide open. The Midlands have demonstrated their strength in depth in the Junior ranks by entering multiple teams for the second year running. The South East Sharks and North West Blades look very strong and have had excellent preparation for the tournament and will feel like they are capable of taking home the National Title.

Junior Mixed 18s

The Junior Mixed 18s will showcase a huge amount of promising talent from across the country and will potentially be one of the most open divisions at The Nationals. With many of the Open teams littered with Juniors, it has meant there are a lot of new faces for each region, with everyone feeling they have a chance at securing the title of National Champion. The Midlands have entered two teams in the division and look like a strong outfit, however, the North West Blades, South East Sharks and West Wildcats all promise to be genuine contenders.

Who are you backing to take the spoils? 🏆