The Wanganui Secondary Schools and Under-19 Club Sevens Rugby competition is growing in popularity and stature as kick-off for its third season looms next Wednesday.
The twilight format hosted at the Kaierau Country Club runs from 4pm to about 9pm on Wednesday when nine schools and two clubs will battle it out for top honours in the boys and girls divisions.
Organised by the Wanganui Rugby Union's community rugby development unit, the annual competition is proving a popular spectacle for school mates, teachers, parents, family members and sevens fans.
Community rugby development officer Jordan Farrington said each school or club were eligible to field one boys and one girls team each and this year 15 teams are vying for top honours.
Secondary schools in the region fielding teams include Ruapehu College, Wanganui High School, Cullinane College, Wanganui Collegiate School, Wanganui Girls' College, Rangitikei College, Taihape Area School and Turakina Maori Girls' College, while Marist and Kaierau will also field U19 teams.