7 Nov 08 - National Coverage for Oztag & Coffs

Fox Sports will be showcasing the sport of Oztag - and the BCU International Stadium - to the whole country when it broadcasts a one-hour special on the Oztag Australian Championships being held in Coffs Harbour from November 7-9.

Oztag tournament director Bill Harrigan said the Championships will be shown on Fox Sports in December 2008. 

"This takes our sport to a new level," said Mr Harrigan. "The men's open grand final will be the main feature with footage of other divisions making up a one-hour highlights package.  It's exciting and a great opportunity to showcase our sport and a great opportunity for the players," he said. Fox Sports has indicated the programme will be featured on all three Fox Sports channels in late December.

Coffs Harbour Mayor, Councillor Keith Rhoades, said the TV coverage will be a great opportunity to display the stadium and city to a national audience.

"We've had a close and positive association with Oztag since its earliest days and have always welcomed any opportunity to work with the sport's players and fans," he said.

"Now we're also able to benefit from that support by having Coffs Harbour featured around the country on this major sports channel."

Nearly 1,200 players from 80 teams will be in Coffs Harbour for the Championships as well as around 300 officials and supporters. The tournament is being sponsored by GU energy gel, Byron Bay Brewery and the Coffs Hotel.

In 2007, Coffs Harbour hosted the three major Oztag competitions - the NSW State Cup, the first State of Origin and the Australian Championships. This year the BCU Stadium has already played host to the NSW Senior State Cup and State of Origin Series.

Games for the Australian National Championships will begin on Friday, November 7, at 12noon and continue until 6pm. On Saturday, games will run from 9am - 6.30pm and on Sunday from 8.30am - 5pm. Entry is free and all are welcome.