Bringing international sides to the 2018 NSW State Cup is a bonus for Port Macquarie.
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Port Macquarie Touch Association secretary Emily Bullus says the decision, which saw England and Japan both play over the weekend, is a boost for the local economy.
"Firstly, to be able to host the State Cup here in Port Macquarie is really great," Ms Bullus said.
"Port Macquarie is very central for nearly all teams; we have the accommodation available and people actually enjoying coming back year after year.
"As well, many visitors take the chance to enjoy a holiday here for a few days as well.
"And the NSW Touch decision to bring international teams here for this event on an invitational basis really puts us (Port Macquarie) on the map."
And the NSW Touch decision to bring international teams here for this event on an invitational basis really puts us (Port Macquarie) on the map.
- Emily Bullus
Ms Bullus also praised the Tuffins Lane venue.
"The venue has held up really well.
"There was a bit of rain prior to the event which actually put some green grass on the fields.
"Normally it is pouring rain for this event, so it is really nice to have some sunshine.
"Although the fields are getting a bit dusty with all the games toward the end of Sunday."
Throughout the weekend the medical tent proved a popular place with several suspected ACL injuries, alongside numerous knee and shoulder injuries.
"It is a tough sport," Bullus added.
NSW Touch Association general manager Dean Russell says the Japanese Touch Association had enjoyed a cultural exchange to the State Cup over the last five or six years.
"They are wanting to develop their players and regularly bring their developmental sides to Port Macquarie," he said.
"While the English have brought their men’s and women’s open sides here as part of their preparation for the World Cup in Malaysia.
"These international sides realise that this competition will provide their players with good, consistently strong games.
"As well, bringing international sides to this event adds something to the games while we are keen to grow the game internationally," Mr Russell said.
The general manager said it was a real coup for Port Macquarie.
"It's a bonus. We are showcasing Port Macquarie to an international audience and showing just what this community has to offer.
"Port Macquarie is a beautiful area, with its beaches, rain forests and the wineries. Hopefully this means that some of these international players and staff come back here to holiday."
Port Macquarie hosted the first State Cup in 1977 before it was taken to various centres around NSW.
However, by 1989 the event found a permanent home in Port Macquarie who won the first five year tender to host the event.
Mr Russell said that relationship had simply continued.
We have built really good relationships with the council, the community, Panthers Port Macquarie and the former RSL Club.
- Dean Russell
"We have built really good relationships with the council, the community, Panthers Port Macquarie and the former RSL Club," he said.
"I don't know any other sporting organisation at our level that has enjoyed such a long and enjoyable relationship with any community.
"It is quite unique in sport," he said.
Mr Russell said Port Macquarie fits the bill across a number of key areas, including accommodation and socially.
He also reserve some praise for the grounds staff at the regional sports stadium and Tuffins Lane.
"Kerry does a fantastic job every year," he added.
