Rippa Rugby will kick off for the first time in Whakatane today.
Three hundred year five to year eight kids will be involved in Rippa Rugby modules in Rugby Park from 3.30pm and next Wednesday in Kawerau.
Mark Seymour Bay of Plenty Rugby Eastern Bay of Plenty Manager recognised theopportunity to further grow Rippa Rugby in the Eastern Bay of Plenty following the positive engagement from the Opotiki community last year.
"After the response we had running a couple of Opotiki Rippa Rugby modules in term four last year, it was the perfect opportunity to get Rippa Rugby off the ground and establish a competition for Whakatane and Kawerau in term one, and Opotiki in term four," said Mr Seymour.
Rippa Rugby has always had a strong reputation in the Eastern Bay of Plenty especially in Kawerau.
"Kawerau Primary took out last year's Baywide Rippa Rugby Competition and then went on to place third at the New Zealand Rippa Rugby Championship in Wellington last year. It was a no brainer to have a module in Kawerau."
Mr Seymour acknowledged the support from the Kawerau and Whakatane communities that have assisted the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union to establish the Rippa Rugby competitions.
"It is fantastic that we have been able to get Rippa Rugby off the ground. It wouldn't have been possible without the help of all those involved, the teachers, sports coordinators and parents. It is great for the kids and allows the community to get together to give kids the opportunity to participate in a fun sport and be active."
Rippa Rugby Schedule:
Rippa Rugby Whakatane Module: Date: Thursday 2 March (start) - 23 March Location: Rugby Park, Whakatane Time: 3.30pm - 5.00pm
Rippa Rugby Kawerau Module: Date: Wednesday 8 March (start) - 22 March Location: Tarawera Park Time: 4.00pm - 5.00pm
