The Canterbury Bulls 18s Boys have been crowned champions of the NZRL National Youth Tournament final.

The Bulls scored three tries in the last 15 minutes to take out the final over Akarana Falcons 30-18 at Ngā Puna Wai this afternoon.

The Bulls, filled with 4 current junior Warriors in the squad, beat Auckland 14-0 in their semi final yesterday.

This is only the second year returning under Canterbury name, after being forced for over 15 years to play under the South Island team banner.

The last time Canterbury hosted a national tournament was in 1993, when the schoolboy 15-year-olds nationals took place at Burnham Military Camp.