Tai Mitchell rugby returns for its 75th edition this Friday when Tauranga West will try to defend their title at Opotiki's Memorial Park.
The Tai Mitchell tournament began in 1938, and is one of the most important events in the Bay of Plenty Junior Rugby calendar run by the Bay of Plenty Primary Schools Rugby Council.
Ten teams will contest the annual Bay of Plenty-wide primary school tournament with last year's champs Tauranga West looking to defend their title against Rotorua Maroon, Te Whanau Apanui, Te Puke, Whakatane, Rotorua Gold, Tauranga East, Opotiki, Rangitaiki and Galatea.
This year sees a slight change in the regional boundaries to reflect the population growth in Tauranga. For the first time there will be three teams from Tauranga involved, with the region being split into three zones, East, West and North, along with the combining of Opotiki and Te Whanau Apanui.
This year's tournament provides an excellent opportunity for young referees to also grow and develop. Five referees ranging in age from 15-21 will control the 34 games under the direction of three experienced referee coaches.
"The isolated location of this years tournament provides us with the opportunity to all live in together in one central location for the five day tournament," said Bay of Plenty Rugby Union Referee Manager Pat Rae.
"The referees will be able to learn recovery techniques, correct nutrition and review their performance through the use of video technology so that they can instantly put into practice what they've learnt the very next day. It's like cramming six weeks of rugby into five days."
Tony Howe Chairman of the Tai Mitchell organising committee said it had been great to see how the Opotiki community have got together to get in behind the organising committee to ensure this year's 75th tournament was well hosted.
"It is great to see that rugby is growing alongside the population growth within the Bay of Plenty. With the addition of an extra team is this year's competition, it will provide the base for another fantastic and fiercly competitive Tai Mitchell tournament show casing the upcoming talent in the Bay of Plenty," he said.
The original Tai Mitchell Shield was presented by Mr Henry Taiporutu Mitchell in 1938 for competition among the primary school teams representing the Bay of Plenty Rugby Sub-unions.
Mitchell was a renowned Rotorua sports administrator and a supporter of all codes.
The tournament doubles as a trial for the Bay of Plenty Roller Mills team which will represent the province at the northern regional tournament against sides from Northland, Auckland, Thames Valley, King Country, Waikato, Taranaki and North Harbour.
The tournament will run until Wednesday 13th July.
2016 Tai Mitchell draw.
