Counties Manukau and Manawatu will be looking to defend their respective men's and women's titles when the 2017 Bayleys National Sevens kick off at Rotorua International Stadium this weekend.
The tournament will feature twenty eight teams from across the country and will provide the community with a great day out. The flare and excitement of sevens rugby action will be coupled with a tasty bite to eat. Kids can head along and enjoy The Hits Whanau zone with face painting and interactive games.
With the summer sun heating up the Cancer Society will be there to ensure everyone slips slops and slaps. Thanks to ACC Sports Smart there will be free Wi-Fi to allow spectators to share their experiences on social media. Joining ACC will be their ACC ambassadors All Black Nehe Milner-Skudder and Black Ferns Sevens silver Olympic medallist Sarah Goss.
Tournament Event Manager Allison Stewart said there was a real buzz about town.
"It is great seeing the retailers getting involved and showing their support for the participating teams.
"With awesome talent on display, great weather, Black Ferns Sevens Captain Sarah Goss who will be partaking in the tournament will be joined by All Black Nehe Milner Skudder as the ACC ambassadors. The inclusion of the Hits Whanau zone for kids, the Bayleys National Sevens certainly has something on offer for everyone," she said.
Tickets are available for purchase from the gate; $15 for adults and free for children 14 years and under.
Gates will open at 8.30am with the first match kicking off at 9.00am.