Rotorua schoolchildren are joining in the hype of the lead-up to the Rugby World Cup.
Hundreds of young rugby players are helping the Bay of Plenty to celebrate 100 days until the Cup begins.
Rotorua students are today taking part in the EASTPAK Rippa World Cup event at Smallbone Park.
Bay of Plenty Rugby Union operations manager Neil Alton said the event provided the chance for schools and young people to help celebrate the World Cup and learn more about the countries competing.
Events have already been held in Whakatane and Tauranga.
"Teams involved will adopt a country name, learn about it and bring flags and costumes along to the tournament," Mr Alton said.
Top-placed teams from the three Bay of Plenty events will then qualify for the EASTPAK Baywide Rippa World Cup, which will be held on Wednesday, June 8, at Paengaroa Domain.
The winner from the Baywide tournament will represent the region at the national tournament in Auckland, to be held before the Rugby World Cup kicks off.
Hika Reid, an All Black from 1980 to 1986, will present medals and trophies to the winning teams today.
Born and bred in Rotorua, Mr Reid has been named as one of the 17 Kiwi rugby union legends who will have a conservation project dedicated to them as part of the Living Legends programme that links into the Cup.
Today's event will see 48 Rotorua teams taking to the paddock as they battle it out for a spot in the final in Auckland.
For more information about what is happening in the Bay of Plenty for the Rugby World Cup 2011, see www.bop2011.org.nz.
If you would like to find out more about how to adopt a second team and other ways to get involved in RWC 2011, please visit www.nz2011.govt.nz/get-involved.
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Latest from Rotorua Daily Post
'Rock bottom’: Recession-hit farmers relying on partner's income to survive
Meat and wool farmers: 'There’s a feeling now that this is about as bad as it can get.'