Sevens: Te Aute happy on home turf

After a whirlwind 2015 young rugby star Isaac Te Aute is ready for another big year ahead starting with this weekend's Bayleys National Sevens in Rotorua.

He led Rotorua Boys' High School's First XV to a national title last year before signing with the All Blacks Sevens and Bay of Plenty Rugby.

Te Aute, 19, originally from Te Puke, was feeling strong again after picking up a hamstring strain last month.

"The hamstring is pretty much back to full strength now and I'm just happy to be back out there," he said.

"I'm back living in Te Puke now but I'm definitely excited to be heading back to Rotorua again, as it is pretty much my hometown as well."

Te Aute had considered signing with Tasman at the end of last year but it was an easy decision in the end to sign with his home province.

"My family is here, good rugby is here, sevens is here, so I'm happy to be at home.

"I was contemplating going down there [to Tasman] but it's a bit far to go with sevens ... so it was a pretty easy decision."

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Te Aute will continue competing for a spot in the All Blacks Sevens side for HSBC Sevens World Series events.

He is also in contention to make Sir Gordon Tietjens' New Zealand team heading to the Olympics in August.

He said getting signed into the All Blacks Sevens squad straight out of high school was a dream come true.

"I was over the moon, coming straight out of school into a sevens contract.

"It's what I dreamed of and I'm just happy and pleased that I have done that.

"Trainings are pretty hard but you just have to keep doing it, and that is what makes us one of the best teams in the world."

Te Aute would also like to play for the Steamers if and when the opportunity arises.

"That's the goal for the 15s, hopefully get a crack at playing for the Steamers.

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"And I just want to keep enjoying it really."

Mount Maunganui's Teddy Stanaway also represents the All Blacks Sevens team and will most likely play for the Bay this weekend.

The national sevens will see the top 16 men's provinces and top 10 women's provinces from across the country competing at the Rotorua International Stadium.

The Bay men's side is in a pool with Auckland, Northland, and South Canterbury.

The top two sides in the pool, following matches on Saturday, will go into the Cup playoffs on Sunday.

The Bay women's team failed to qualify for the tournament.: