Taupo will be centre stage for the next crop of New Zealand's potential rugby superstars, fresh out of high school, with a brand new national under-19 tournament unveiled.

New Zealand Rugby confirms the inaugural 2014 National Under-19 Rugby Tournament will be held in Taupo from September 27 to October 4.

The tournament, comprising of 16 teams, will be determined by regional qualifiers and feature one team from each ITM Cup province, a second team from Auckland due to their string player numbers, and a representative team from the 12 Heartland Unions.

New Zealand Rugby professional rugby general manager Neil Sorenson says the tournament will feature the best under-19 school leavers nationally competing against each other in the week-long event.

'Following hot on the heels of hosting the IRB Under-20 Junior World Championship in June, the Taupo tournament will showcase some of the country's best young rugby talent, many of whom will no doubt go on to play rugby at the highest level,” says Neil.

'We're excited about having the tournament in Taupo and appreciate the great support we have had from the local council and provincial union to stage the event.”

Taupo Mayor David Trewavas is delighted the NZRU chose Taupo as the venue for the inaugural tournament.

'We have worked hard to gain a reputation as the events capital of New Zealand and are looking forward to welcoming many players, management, family, friends and supporters from the length and breadth of the country,” says David.

'We will be doing all we can to ensure that this tournament will be one to remember.”

As well as playing host to on-field action, the NZR will run a variety of development seminars for players, coaches and management throughout the week.