Video: New Zealand's top polocrosse athletes compete in unknown sport

Rugby is New Zealand's most popular sport, but could you imagine playing rugby on a horse?

Polocrosse was developed in Australia before the Second World War in 1938 and is a unique mix of polo, lacrosse, netball and rugby.

Played by an estimated 10,000 around the world, it isn't your everyday team sport.

It reached its peak in New Zealand in the 80s and 90s with around 2000 players but today, only 300 Kiwis play the sport, in large part due to the recession which affected lots of farmers.

Now the sport is starting to take off again in the North Island and this weekend, the country's best players have been competing at Abderry Park in Auckland.

"It's very exciting, it's a very exhilarating sport and very fast," said tournament organizer Tania Jones.

"It starts with a lineout just like in rugby. The object of the game is to get the ball, get it down the other end and shoot the goal."

Games are divided into four 'chukkas' which last six to eight minutes each.

It's fast-paced and action-packed, and even a little bit dangerous. Despite the danger, the people who do take part in polocrosse love it.

"I just love the intensity of it and just being able to clash up against other horses," said Jasmine King, one competitor.

One of the youngest competing is 12-year-old Jack Bennett, who started playing the sport when he was four years old.

"I practice every day and play mostly every weekend. You get real strong and it's just giving you all these skills," said Bennett.

This year's junior final is to be played against Auckland and Central Plateau, while the Colts' final is against Auckland and Waikato.

Newshub.