Twenty-four teams from local primary schools Tarras, Hāwea Flat, Te Kura Take Karara, Wānaka, and Holy Family took part in their annual Rippa Rugby tournament at the Wānaka Showgrounds yesterday (Tuesday May 23).

Rippa is a safe easy-to-play version of rugby, without tackling or any physical contact. Tries are worth five points. 

“The positive thing about Rippa Rugby is it’s an equaliser, and no matter what your skill, ability or gender you can all get into it and be a team sport,” Hāwea Flat School principal Tania Pringle said.

Tournament organiser Tom Merrall said it had been a “fantastic” event, with amazing weather and great teamwork from the children taking part.

Wānaka Primary School heads towards another try.

“The kids have been amazing.”

There were 16 year five and six teams and eight year three and four teams.

Rippa is “a great equaliser”.

Both the year five/six grade and year three/four grades were won by Hāwea teams.

Tom said he’d had “a lot of help from other people, mucking in with jobs” to make the annual tournament run smoothly.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App