27 May 2015
EASTERN Bay teams will compete in the Baywide Rippa Rugby World Cup today.
More than 1500 players across two grades have competed in local tournaments over the past three weeks to find 12 qualifiers for today’s tournament at Paengaroa.
Teams qualified from events played in Central, Western and Eastern Bay.
The Eastern Bay tournament included 48 teams and Ohope, Te Teko and Paroa schools will compete in the year 3 and 4 competition today while Kawerau, St Joseph’s, Allandale and Apanui schools will contest the year 5 and 6 grade.
The winner of the year five and six competition will represent the Bay at the national tournament in Wellington in September.
Bay of Plenty junior rugby development officer Mark Roberts said, “It is great to see the number of kids, in particular girls involved in rippa rugby”.
“We have witnessed some amazing talent over the past couple of weeks, it is hard to believe they are years 3 to 6.
“It should be a fantastic day on Wednesday to see the best rippa rugby talent for each area of Bay of Plenty on display.
“It is an awesome experience and day for all who are involved.”
Source: Whakatane Beacon