Colts comp bridge to senior ranks

COLTS: Central Bay of Plenty rugby manager Brendon Webby (pictured) is happy to see Rotorua and Eastern Bay sides in the new colts competition this year. PHOTO/FILE

A Rotorua team will be fielded this year in a brand new Baywide rugby competition for colts and players under 85kg.

Following the success and interest in last year's 10-a-side colts and under-85kg competition, the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union has introduced a 15-a-side Baywide colts and under-85kg competition.

This has been a priority for the union to re-start a competitive colts (under-20s) competition. Players weighing under-85kg, of any age, will also be able to play in the competition.

Central Bay of Plenty rugby manager Brendon Webby said a Central Bay (Rotorua) team and Eastern Bay team would both be entered in the Baywide competition, which will boast six teams.

"It is great increasing the competition from a 10-a-side format to 15-a-side. The competition is showing traction from across the Bay of Plenty with teams fielded from both Central and Eastern Bay of Plenty this year."

BOPRU operations manager Neil Alton said clubs were right behind the idea.

"From the success and unique format of last year's 10-a-side colts competition, clubs have gained traction with this age group and have realised the importance the colts competition has. It provides an important link for school leavers before stepping into senior rugby."

Eastern Bay of Plenty rugby manager Mark Seymour said: "What makes this competition engaging is that it caters for guys who have just left school and are wanting to get involved but are not quite ready for senior footy. The competition suites people who are working and/or have busy lifestyles too."

A pre-season tournament is being held this weekend at Mt Maunganui College. The official start date of the 2016 Baywide Colts and U85kg competition is Saturday, April 3. The draw will be released the week starting March 31.