Tauranga's Maungatapu school to represent Bay of Plenty

Maungatapu School won the Bay of Plenty Year 4-5 final in Rotorua today. Photo/File

Maungatapu School will represent Bay of Plenty at the Air New Zealand Rippa Rugby Championship for Year 4 and 5 in Wellington from September 18-19.

They were among the top 12 teams from across the Bay of Plenty that competed in the Baywide Rippa Rugby World Cup at Brood Park, Rotorua on Friday in front of special guests from the Maori All Blacks and Black Ferns.

The Year 5 and 6 final featured Eastern Bay of Plenty qualifier Kawerau South and Western Bay of Plenty qualifier Maungatapu. Maungatapu won 7-5.

Maungatapu coach Fabian Herewini says he is "proud as of the team, the kids listened and gave it their all for this tournament".

"We'll just carry on doing what we're doing, having fun and let the kids be kids, but as the tournament in September gets closer, we will start knuckling down and get right into training."

The Year 3 and 4 final featured Western Bay of Plenty qualifiers Te Matai School and Green Park Primary School. Te Matai took out the final in a tight 6-3 win.

Te Matai coach Koha Gourlay says the children were really excited and they had been working their way up to final all day.

"They kept their composure all day so I'm really proud of them. They gave it a 100 per cent in every game, saved their energy right till the final game and gave it everything they had left."

Bay of Plenty junior rugby development officer Brett Johnson was delighted with how the day went.

"What a buzz today has been, with the Black Ferns and Maori All Blacks coming down this morning to cheer on the kids.

"It was the perfect start to an awesome day out here, a combination of great weather, an awesome attitude from players, parents, supporters and coaches and great referees. It is great seeing the kids out there enjoying themselves.

"This tournament wouldn't be possible without the assistance from Sport Bay of Plenty and the many number of primary schools across the region who have been involved in not just today but the three qualifying tournaments. Also a massive thank you to all the extra support staff and my colleagues who helped make today a success."

Year 3 and 4:
Championship Final: Te Matai 6 v Green Park 3
Plate Final: Omanu 8 v Apanui 6
Bowl Final: Arataki 6 v St Marys 5

Year 5 and 6:
Championship Final: Maungatapu 7 v Kawerau South 5
Plate Final: Papamoa 7 v Te Koutu 4
Bowl Final: St Joseph's 8 v Te Paroa 7