Fans gear up for National Sevens tournament in Rotorua

Bay of Plenty fans are expected to be out once again to show their support at the Bayleys National Sevens at the Rotorua International Stadium. Photo / File

Local fans are gearing up for an action-packed weekend at the Bayleys National Sevens, with one rugby club kicking off with breakfast before taking van-loads to the event.

Last year the tournament was dampened by rain and MetService said Rotorua could have isolated showers tomorrow.Communications meteorologist Lisa Murray said it would be partly cloudy, although temperatures of 22C and 23C on Sunday were likely.

''There are a few isolated showers forecast for Saturday but the fields themselves may be fine. Sunday is the better day.''

Whakarewarewa Rugby Club president Robert Rika said two vans had been put on for the event - which had been booked out before Christmas - and they would kick-off early.

''We are going to make a weekend of it and will start off with breakfast at the club and we're also putting on lunch and drinks with one van bringing people back for that if they want to.

''Our club is only a five-minute drive from the stadium and everyone is really looking forward to it.''

The club was full of diehard Bay of Plenty supporters and Rika said they would also be making their mock All Blacks selection over the weekend.

''We like to do that sort of stuff so we will chew the fat and pick and choose who we think are the up and comers. It's a bit of fun and we like to support the Bay of Plenty team because there are a couple of past members in the squad.''

Rika said it was sad the tournament would move to Tauranga next year but ''it's just a hop, skip and jump away and we will get over to that side as well''.

Meanwhile Tahlia Tahau will be bringing a family contingent from Papamoa to support her fiancee Kelly Brazier, one of the star's of the Bay of Plenty women's team.

''We are super excited to watch the girls and it's going to be an interesting tournament.

''I'm bringing my dad over as my family gets into it 100 per cent plus my mum and her partner are coming over to watch and Kelly's grandmother and mum are coming up to watch as well.

''So it's going to be a family affair for sure.''

Waikite Rugby Club senior A head coach Kevin Lee will be at the tournament as a field runner volunteer, making sure team sheets make it to the administration tent.

''I've only missed out on one year and I do it because it's a good way to contribute on Rotorua's behalf to help make it work more successfully. There are a lot of volunteers including referees which do that and we are all like-minded people.''