Article added: Thursday 15 January 2026

The ANZMRL Rangatahi Tama Tournament will return to Rotorua on King’s Birthday Weekend 2026. Due to circumstances beyond ANZMRL’s control, an administrative issue at the previously proposed venue meant the tournament could not be relocated as planned.  
 

ANZMRL Chair John Devonshire acknowledged the change and apologised for any inconvenience. “While this situation was outside our control, when plans don’t proceed as expected, it’s important that we have alternative options. Our priority is ensuring we continue providing this vital pathway for our Rangatahi Tama teams and players, to participate in the game that we love; to aspire to higher-level playing pathways, and representative opportunities, and more importantly to celebrate their Māori identity and represent their whānau, hapū and iwi.

”The focus now is on moving forward. Rather than dwelling on the reasons for this change, we encourage all teams to reset, refocus, and review their plans, as we do the same in preparing to deliver another successful Rangatahi Tama tournament in Rotorua.