45 Men - 45 Men

Aaron O'HALLORAN

DOB: 11/04/1973

History: I have been playing Touch for the past 25 years. I have represented Canterbury mens over 40s at the last 3 National tournaments winning gold each year. Over the last 8 years I have coached a junior team of beginner players and have developed a very competitive teenage team who have competed in a top mens grade

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: I am very excited at the prospect of representing my country at a sport I love

Any links between yourself and another individual within our Sport?: My brother Nicholas O'Halloran has also been selected for the NZ over 35 mens team

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: I love that anyone can play touch , no matter what level a person is at

Home Province: Canterbury

Arron SAMUELS

DOB: 27/11/1970

History: First played Touch back in 1985 while at Whakatane high. I just recently got back into touch from 2016 I have represented Tauranga Moana Maori Masters Mix and the annual Maori Nationals. Also in 2018 I had the honour of representing Auckland 45 mens at Nationals winning gold and getting our MVP.

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: Honestly no words can't express how I feel but it's a dream come true to wear the Silver Fern on the international stage I am looking forward to singing our national anthem

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: I never stop learning and it's a sport where you can play with your family

Home Province: Bay of Plenty

Bruce MACDONALD

DOB: 10/09/1968

History: I commenced playing representative touch in 1991 when I represented Horowhenua in the Mens Open at the New Zealand Nationals. Since then I have represented Otago, Auckland, Northland, North Harbour and NZ Police. Since 2009 I have represented South Queensland & Border Districts (SQBD) Sharks Mens 40s and 45s at NTLS in Australia, winning five NTL titles (3 as captain).I have represented NZ in 46 matches including four WCs in Sydney, Kumagaya, Edinburgh and Coffs Harbour. I captained the New Zealand 40 Mens team at both the Edinburgh and Coffs Harbour WCs. I was the captain of the victorious Mens 40s team at the World Cup in Edinburgh in 2011

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: It is truly an honour to be selected to represent my country and family at another WC. I have a greater appreciation of this opportunity as given my age I may never get another chance to play for NZ

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: Playing with and against the best Touch players in the world. The friendships and camaraderie established as a result of playing the sport. Playing with and coaching members of my family

Home Province: South Queensland & Border Districts Sharks

Dion PASCOE

DOB: 7/11/1972

History: Played Masters Touch nationals since 08... Won 2 golds and a few more silvers

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: Means so much as our son represented NZ at KL in the U20's World Cup earlier this year

Any links between yourself and another individual within our Sport?: Son represented NZ in the U20's grade

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: Lifetime friendship

Home Province: Bay of Plenty

Garner GULLIVER

DOB: 8/10/1973

History: Player coach in Airforce and Defence Force for 18 years. Represented BOP, Counties, Defence Force, Police. 2015 WC Mens 40's

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: Tino nore ki ahau. A real honour to represent our country

Any links between yourself and another individual within our Sport?: Yes also proud to be alongside other current serving or ex-Defence Force Members. In the 45 Men's there is also Jason Keno. Served together and now we are in the same team!

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: Building relationships, challenges the mind and body

Home Province: Bay of Plenty

Gary LEE SANG

DOB: 4/01/1970

History: Touch has been a huge part of my life, playing alongside family and friends , being in some great teams and playing against some great rivals. Teams I've played for include the Auckland Chinese Wizards, Master Rep teams North Harbour, Counties Manukau and Auckland

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: Its a privilege and honour to represent NZ Touch and all the people involved in the sport . Winning the WC is the ultimate goal in thanking everyone behind the sport

Any links between yourself and another individual within our Sport?: Playing alongside Mr Touch Peter Walters and the Galaxy Touch Family

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: Its an exciting sport , which can be played by anyone and anytime it brings people together resulting in social and health up values

Home Province: Auckland

Jason KENO

DOB: 5/03/1972

History: Have played for Wellington, the NZDF and Canterbury. Have coached junior representative Touch for Canterbury since 2011. Played in the last 2015 WC for the Mens 40s.

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: It enables me to play on the world stage, the pinnacle of Touch

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: Anyone can play at any time! My goal is to play in a team with my wife and four kids, having fun while competing

Home Province: Canterbury, even though I'm playing for the Auckland 45s at the 2019 Nationals

Jason MOEAU

DOB: 4/06/1973

History: Current player coach for Bop 45s mens and IPS Bop U14s girls Elite

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: Very proud as this is my first time repping Aotearoa in Touch for the first time

Any links between yourself and another individual within our Sport?: Very proud to rep my whanau, happy, iwi and Bop My cousin Arron Samuels is also in the team

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: Its a team sport

Home Province: Bay of Plenty

Ngarino TUMAI

DOB: 30 Jan 1972

History: – First NZ Nats in '92 for Wellington Men’s and my second in 2019. In 2016 I made plans to play Touch in Queensland but still live in Sydney, as its where a lot of my mates from back home live. I ended up at the Australian NTLS in 2017 playing for South QLD Sharks. We won the Men’s 45 and backed it up in 2018, unfortunately we went down in the grand finals to Sydney Scorpions in 2019

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: Well where do I start. this is a dream come true for me. I thank my QLD Sharks coach for putting the thought in my head, as I asked him what road I should take. His words were “World Cup year, Ngarino nothing is better than playing for your country, hearing your national anthem and being in your colours at a World Cup”. To say I’m pumped is an understatement, Debut at a World Cup for NZ, it doesn’t get any better!

Any links between yourself and another individual within our Sport?: My brother Beez Ngarino Te Waati

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: Comradery! I’m a busy man hustling my way through the business world here in Sydney, but the game brings me back to my roots and keeps me grounded

Home Province: Wellington

Robbie ATATOA

DOB: 24/05/1973

History: I am currently coaching Waikato under 18 girls team I also coach my daughters school teams Knighton Primary year 3-4, Berkley Year 8 and Hillcrest High mix team and love giving back to the sport.I represented three NZ touch provinces since 2001-2018 they are BOP, Waikato and Auckland. I played in two Touch WCs1995 and 2015 and two South Pacific Games 2007 & 2009 for the Cook Islands

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: This is a dream come true and humble for this opportunity to represent NZ at the WC. Also my family is very supportive in particular my wife and my girls this is a team effort and a great opportunity to share it with them

Any links between yourself and another individual within our Sport?:I can say I have helped coach young NZ representative athletes from the Waikato region

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: I love the game because you get to meet a lot of people and they become your friends for life

Home Province: Auckland

Stephen FREUNDLICH

DOB: 27/07/1972

History: I have played touch socially for over 25 years. I have won a National title with Auckland, 2 gold medals at the PanPac games with Galaxy. I have been coaching Auckland u14 Boys Development for 2 years and coached my sons rugby team at Ponsonby for 6 years

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: Representing your country in any capacity is a great honour and privilege. To have the opportunity to take the field and play with some of the legends of the game makes it even more special. For me, I am not only representing my country, but my family and friends and those close to me who are no longer here. I will leave everything on the field

Any links between yourself and another individual within our Sport?: My son has represented Auckland U12 Dev (Winning gold at IPS, U14 Div 2 in 2017 (3rd) and this year

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: Having fun, keeping fit, always learning

Home Province: Auckland

Tony WIPERI-KARAURIA

DOB: 11/12/1973

History: 23rd Touch Nationals in March 2019, World Cup 2015 40 mens (Silver Medalist) World Masters Games Auckland 2017 40 Mens Galaxy (Gold Medalist) Pan Pacific Games 2018 Gold Coast 45 Mens Galaxy (Gold Medalist)

What does it mean for you to be selected to represent NZ at WC?: Mana, Pride, To Honour the Jersey, Represent Family & Friends, Province, Iwi, to all players who have past on

Any links between yourself and another individual within our Sport?: My Son Torez Wiperi-Karauria 2010 X Blades NZ Under 17s Tour of Australia

What do you love most about the game of Touch?: Test yourself against the best atheletes, Make new friends, Keep developing, Improving your game, Staying Active

Home Province: Bay of Plenty