Rugby: Sevens season set to excite Bay

BOP Rugby CEO Mike Rogers, left, Calli Turner, Te Aihe Toma and Councillor Clayton Mitchell at the sevens launch.

The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union is urging the Bay to get behind their men's and women's sevens teams as they start their season of elite competition, kicking off in Hamilton tomorrow with the Northern Regional Sevens.

The men's and women's teams were launched at Bluebiyou restaurant this week, which took on a twist of humour and entertainment with a 7 Days of Rugby Sevens theme, based on the 7 Days comedy show.

Councillor Clayton Mitchell was also on hand for a round of 'Yes Councillor'.

A new and exciting team uniform was unveiled, which incorporates the fun and excitement of rugby sevens and summer, and links well with the union's goal of leading the way in sevens.

The new uniform will be on show this weekend with our women's team aiming to make the top four to qualify for the Bayleys National Sevens, while the men's team have automatic selection because the union is hosting the televised event in Rotorua on January 11 and 12.

The teams, sponsored by Bay Engineers Supplies, will also compete in our local Bay Engineers Supplies Sevens Rugby Festival on Saturday, January 4, at the spiritual home of sevens - Sir Gordon Tietjens Field on Blake Park.

This showcase of talent continues to attract the top provinces from around the country.

"Bay Engineers Supplies is proud to be involved as sevens partner of the union," Paul Carruthers, General Manager of Bay Engineers Supplies, said.

"We have a long history spanning 25 years supporting rugby sevens with the birth of the then Whales tournament held in Whakatane. It was during this time that the career of the current All Blacks Sevens coach and Bay Engineers Supplies Strategic Sales Director Sir Gordon Tietjens began."

BOP Rugby Union CEO Mike Rogers is exited about the prospect of the teams and growth of rugby sevens in the region.

"We have worked hard to provide formats that will lead the way for sevens rugby in New Zealand, and it is exciting to see the explosion in participation numbers and the quality of players coming through within the Bay of Plenty," Rogers said.

More details including ticket information for the Bay Engineers Supplies Provincial Sevens Festival and Bayleys National Sevens can be found at www.boprugby.co.nz and www.nationalsevens.co.nz.