Rippa rugby teams from across the region will compete in the Baywide Rippa Rugby World Cup in Rotorua tomorrow - with some special guests in attendance.
Members of the Maori All Blacks and Black Ferns squads will be at Ray Boord Park to watch the tournament featuring 24 teams from around the Bay of Plenty.
Over the past three weeks qualifying tournaments have been held across western, central, and eastern Bay of Plenty seeing more than 1500 kids across the two grades compete to secure a spot in tomorrow's world cup.
The winner of the Year 5 and 6 competition will represent the region at the national Air New Zealand Rippa Rugby Championship in Wellington from September 18. Last year Bay of Plenty was represented by Kawerau South who finished third at the National Rippa Rugby tournament.
"There is plenty of excitement from teams playing in the finals to have the chance to meet some the Black Ferns and NZ Maori players," Bay of Plenty Rugby junior rugby development officer Brett Johnson said.
"The skill level is amazing for the age of the players, and the games are really exciting to watch.
"It is an awesome experience for all who are involved and a big thank you for the team's players, coaches and supporters and the efforts they have put in thus far and I wish them all the best for Friday," he said.
Baywide Rippa Rugby World Cup:
Date: Friday 16 June
Location: Ray Brood Park, Rotorua
Time: 9.00am - 2.30pm
