The summer of sevens continues this weekend with a record number of teams competing at the annual Baywide Club Sevens Tournament held at Eastern Districts Rugby Football Club in Paengaroa.
After a successful Bay of Plenty Secondary School Sevens tournament in Rotorua last week this tournament opens up to all the senior rugby clubs within the Bay of Plenty for both men's and women's teams.
This year will see the inclusion of the new Manawa Whenua - Bay of Plenty Heartland Sevens grade. The grade featuring Papamoa, Eastern Districts, Matata, Waimana, Ruatoki, Waikite and Marist St Michael's will provide an exciting contest for the division one and two clubs.
The men's division will play for the Sir Gordon Tietjens Trophy with Mount Maunganui the defending champions.
Arataki will return to defend their Tight 5 title.
The development of women's rugby in the Bay of Plenty is reflected in the growth of the women's division. They will play for the Exia Edwards Trophy.
Edwards represented the New Zealand Black Ferns and has been an important person in rebuilding women's rugby in the Bay of Plenty. A new title holder will be crowned this weekend, with current holders Waikite not entered.
"It is fantastic to see so many teams entered which was in line with the union's strategic goal of making the Bay of Plenty the home of sevens. It is great to see in particular the increase in women's entries. This just signifies the growth of women's rugby in the Bay of Plenty," said Bay of Plenty Rugby Union Operations Manager, Neil Alton.
"It will be a great afternoon out for spectators and players kicking off from 9.00am. The Coffee Chick will be on site with Mr Whippy and Eastern Districts will be firing up the BBQ. The kids will be spoilt with activities throughout the day and a chill out tent," he said.
Bay of Plenty Baywide Club Sevens
Time: 9.00am
Where: Eastern Districts, Paengaroa
When: Saturday
Entry: Free
