30 Mixed - 30 Mixed

Carl SHEPHERD

DOB: 6/05/1982

History: First fell in love with the game of touch in primary school and been playing for around 20 years now. I really enjoy coaching touch as well playing and have coached Waikato girl's age group teams for the past 4-5 years and had some relatively good success

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: It means so much to me. I just want to say a huge thanks to TNZ staff for believing in me and I will strive to make my whanau, hapu, iwi and country proud

Any links between yourself and another individual within our Sport?: My nephew Morgan Harper played in the NZ under 15 boy's team

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: I love that touch accommodates for anyone e.g. ages, genders, cultures, abilities, the skillful and not so skillful and not many sports do that. I also love that touch has given me a lot throughout my time in the game lifelong friends, memories, allowed me to travel and even medals but it's pretty special when me

Home Province: Waikato

Emma EDMONDS

DOB: 1/10/1979

History: I started back playing again the end of 2016 for the Galaxy touch club in Auckland. With Galaxy I've been privileged to travel and play on two amazing tours; to the USA Touch Nationals in 2017, then to Europe earlier this year to play in the European Cup followed by the England Nationals.I am also proud to be apart of bringing Te Tai Tokerau back to NZ Touch Nationals in 2018 after being away for 20 years, representing our 35 Womens team

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: It's awesome to be a part of the team, especially knowing how many talented women there are playing touch. My journey in this sport and subsequently into this team shows we can achieve awesome things when we're surrounded by the right people

Any links between yourself and another individual within our Sport?: Yes, I get to play beside my husband! He's the one who got my playing again by signing me up for club without asking me

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: Trying to outsmart the opposition, especially on defense, winning hard battles, playing with cool people

Home Province: Te Tai Tokerau

Evelyn TUDEHOPE

DOB: 25/11/1980

History: Attended 2 World Cups as a player and one as an Assistant Coach for the Open Womens.

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: It's an opportunity to do your best against the best and to most importantly build new friendships and enhance existing.

Any links between yourself and another individual within our Sport?: My husband is playing also

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: It's a family sport.

Home Province: Te Tai Tokerau

Jasmine GRAY

DOB: 25/04/1983

History: As a player predominantly my history with Touch is in my youth within the provinces of BOP and Canterbury, having only just returned to competitive touch again within the last year for Counties

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: Everything! Although late, this is the realization of a childhood dream. However the bonus of living it out now, is that I get to inspire my children

Any links between yourself and another individual within our Sport?: My sister Hollie Graham was a Touch Black as is her husband still

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: The pace

Home Province: Counties Manukau

Jason BROUGHTON

DOB: 17/09/1975

History: 25 years playing and coaching Touch.Masters Trans Tasman 2017

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: Extremely proud to be selected for NZ at WC

Any links between yourself and another individual within our Sport?: Many friends who have been Touch Blacks

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: I love the fast and intense pace of the game.Life long connections I've made

Home Province: Taranaki

Josh HARRISON

DOB: 27/09/1985

History: Played in NZ 30s men team at Trans Tasman 2017. Marlborough Open Mixed 2018, Canterbury 30s Men's 2017, Canterbury Open Men's 2016, Coach Marlborough boys touch team

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: Very excited, and proud to be playing for Touch NZ and wear the Silver Fern. First time ever playing at a WC so I can't wait

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: Friendships that I have made, and the challenge of playing the game

Home Province: Marlborough

Katie BRADLEY

DOB: 23/12/1982

History: I've been playing Touch since primary. I have played representative Touch for Nelson, Canterbury and Marlborough. I played for the NZ Under 19 Mixed team in the 2000/01 World Cup

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: It will be a real privileged to put the black singlet on again after 18 years. I hope my kids will be proud of their mum!

Any links between yourself and another individual within our Sport?: It will be awesome to play beside my partner Todd in the World Cup as he is in the Mixed 30's team too

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: I love the speed and the skill of the game. I love the team aspect, lots of laughs and fun on and off the field. I love that anyone can play, young and old

Home Province: Marlborough

Mark TUDEHOPE

DOB: 23/10/1979

History: I have represented North Harbour and Auckland at Provincial level. With this being my first World Cup representing New Zealand

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: It has been a goal since I was a kid to represent New Zealand at a sporting event so it is a honour to get a chance to perform at the top level

Any links between yourself and another individual within our Sport?: It is fantastic to be able to play alongside my wife at the 30 mixed grade

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: The friendships formed on and off the field and also to push your body to its limits

Home Province: Auckland

Michael RAWIRI

DOB: 27/05/1979

History: As a player I've been involved in the game of touch for about 25 years and have coached for about 10 years. I've represented national level for BOP and Wellington, also represented Tauranga Moana and Te Whanganui a Tara at the Maori Touch Nationals

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: I still have to pinch myself that I have been given this amazing opportunity to represent my country. I don't think its actually hit me yet that I'm going to the Touch World Cup next year to represent my country, something I have been dreaming about for a very long time.

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: I love Touch because of the Whakawhanaungatanga, Friendships, Enjoyment & Opportunities but more so because touch is more than just a game. There's so many learnings on and off the field that can help us in our everyday life. An environment where we can come and just be us and block out all our problems for an hour or so.

Home Province: Bay of Plenty

Noel EDMONDS

DOB: 7/04/1979

History: Auckland 30 Mens 2016, current AKL 18s Coach 2018/19, Galaxy Auckland Open men/mixed 2015, Galaxy Worldwide European Tour 2018, Galaxy Worldwide Pan Pacs Games 2018, Galaxy Worldwide World Masters Games 2017

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: I am extremely proud to wear the black singlet and the Silver Fern. Its an honour to be able to play for our country and represent my family, friends and my club

Any links between yourself and another individual within our Sport?: My Wife Emma Edmonds is also a member of the NZ 30 Mixed Team

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: Touch has given me the opportunity to travel the World with my wife and kids, meet new people and make great friends. I love that you can play this game for as long as you want and that age is no barrier

Home Province: Auckland

Puawai GARDINER

DOB: 9/05/1988

History: 2017/18 Trans Tasman test series for Open Mixed Touch Blacks, won gold at 2015 NZ Touch Nationals with Kapiti Horowhenua and a gold at Maori Touch nationals 2015 for Raukawa ki Runga.I have been apart of coaching and managing within the Az1 club and also Te Wharekura o Mauao last 2 years. Established a local Tauranga touch club Ezy Doz It which has now existed for 13 years

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: Its has been a goal i set 3yrs ago for myself so being able to play at WC means I've achieved my goal and get to wear the Silver Fern on my chest again

Any links between yourself and another individual within our Sport?: My Husband Quentin Gardiner I get to play alongside

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: The grind and competiveness, meeting new people and seeing others learn and achieve in the sport

Home Province: Bay of Plenty

Quentin GARDINER

DOB: 26/05/1987

History: Played touch since i was 16Won gold at nz touch nationals with Horowhenua/KapitiWon 2 golds at maori touch nationals with Raukawa ki RungaCoached AZ1 open mixed 2017 ETLCoached Tauranga moana open mixed 2016 and 2017Coach Te Wharekura o Mauao to there first mixed NZSSFounded Ezy Doz It touch club in 2005

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: Previliged and honoured to represent my country and a huge sense of achievement.

Any links between yourself and another individual within our Sport?: My wife Puawai Gardiner im playing alongside, my brothers Carlos Savage open mens, Tamati Fraser, Michael Rawiri and Zane Welsh im playing alongside, my sisters Charisse Billing and Matapa Skudder playing 27 wmns and 35 wmns.

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: Playing alongside my familly and friends, meeting new people and the everlasting friendships i have created through touch and the functionshz.

Home Province: Horowhenua Kapiti

Raelene KUKA

DOB: 23/12/1978

History: I have been playing for Tauranga Moana since 2011 and BOP since 2012. I was selected to play for Womens 27s in the Masters Trans Tasman series in 2017 held in Australia

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: The natural progression from Trans Tasman for me, was to work for a place in the WC team. Despite being a difficult year in terms of injury rehabilitation, through focus, perseverance and hard work, I have again been given the honour of wearing the Silver Fern

Any links between yourself and another individual within our Sport?: Playing in the Bay, I am surrounded by many top players, many of whom will be in the New Zealand contingent. This sport allows you to play with and against the top players in New Zealand through different tournaments and make "real" connections with your favourite players

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: I love playing with my whanau and friends. This year I have enjoyed taking on a coaching role, it's been really rewarding. The game of Touch offers fitness, is ever-evolving, and there is always something to work on, be it fitness, a skill or gelling with new team mates, which takes time and effort. Pulling off the "W" is always the goal, so if you do the mahi you get the treats

Home Province: Bay of Plenty

Tamati FRASER

DOB: 15/04/1983

History: Played U19s BOP, Tauranga Moana Open Mens 2010, Tauranga Moana masters 2013/14, Coached U17 girls Tauranga Moana 2016, Played AZ1 Open Mixed at etl 2017, Az1 Open Mens sts 2018, Tauranga Moana Masters 2018

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: It means everything never had the chance to represent my country let alone my family alot of mixed emotions but I know if I do get to wear that Fern on my chest I will play for my team as hard as I can

Any links between yourself and another individual within our Sport?: My partner Charisse is playing in the 27s Womens and I get to play along side my Cousin Puawai Gardner who is also playing 30s Mixed

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: You make alot of life time friends and memories

Home Province: Bay of Plenty

Todd NICHOLAS

DOB: 29/04/1985

History: Playing since I was 12. Have mainly played and coached for Marlborough for the last 20 years

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: Proud and excited to be selected to play for NZ to play at a WC

Any links between yourself and another individual within our Sport?: Partner is also in the NZ 30s mixed team as well

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: Meeting other players and officials

Home Province: Marlborough

Zane WELSH

DOB: 21/12/1988

History: I've been playing Touch competitively for around 7 years and have proudly represented Tauranga Moana and Bay of Plenty

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: Massive honour, grateful I can still play at 30 and I am really excited to play for my country and I will wear the Silver Fern proudly

Any links between yourself and another individual within our Sport?: I am the first from my family...paving the way for the Welsh clan... my son is showing potential, he is only 15 months old though

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: I love the people the most, I have played with and against some great people along the way.Touch has given me the opportunity to meet so many different people from all walks of life. I am grateful for the people I have met especially my Bay of Plenty touch family

Home Province: Bay of Plenty