Aotearoa / New Zealand

Have you ever asked yourself: what would rugby look like if it was played in a pool? If the answer is yes, hold your breath for some good news. Underwater Rugby a very much a real sport, with a team from Auckland heading to the Australian National Championships this weekend in Brisbane.

There's no scrums, lineouts or goal kicking, but Underwater Rugby does share the contact, fitness levels and camaraderie found in the more well-known, land-based version of the sport.

Goals are scored by putting a ball (filled with saltwater to decrease buoyancy) into baskets at either end of the pool, which vary in depths due to whatever is available but generally around four metres. Being able to hold your breath is a key component, as well as special awareness.

The Auckland team will head to Brisbane with a feeling of the unknown, given that it will be their first tournament together.

"As coach I'm very excited, it's going to be a tough one because it will be the international [players] of Australia. The tournament will be three days, we will do our best and it will be tough one and we have to train a lot."