The entrance of Women’s Rugby Sevens at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, has become the catalyst for the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union revitalised focus on the women’s game in the Bay of Plenty.

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union Operations Manager Neil Alton said “Bay of Plenty Rugby are focused on giving our local women’s players the best chance of representing New Zealand at the 2016 Olympics”. “A schedule of Bay women’s 7’s activity is aimed to provide stepping stones for local women players, to learn the sevens game through the development of enhanced skill’s and knowledge”.

The new Bay of Plenty women’s sevens pathway will encompass schoolgirls and women, who are also interested in not only playing the game, but also refereeing, coaching and management responsibilities. “ We are very keen to increase the numbers of 7’s Coaches and Referees as they will be critical to ensure these initiatives are successful “ said Neil.

The search for the Bay women’s 7’s stars has already begun, with the Bay of Plenty Union enlisting the services of former New Zealand Sevens star Chad Tuoro. “We aim to first identify talent, then develop them into sevens players of an international standard”. “The objective is to have a nationally recognised women’s 7’s development program in the Bay, which would hopefully attract further players to the region, who aspire to play for the New Zealand Women’s 7’s team” said Chad.

The first Bay women’s sevens initiative kicks off on Saturday the 18th February 2012, with the BOPRU Secondary Schoolgirls 7’s being played at Paengaroa. Neil Alton continued “School teams can then enter the North Island Secondary Schoolgirls tournament, at the Greerton Rugby Club headquarters at Greerton Park on the 29/30 March 2012. We are expecting the best school sides from throughout the North Island to be at Greerton Park”. “ Sport Bay of Plenty with whom the Bay Union has a strong relationship, will organise both Secondary Schoolgirls 7’s tournament in the Bay of Plenty’

In mid April the net will be spread far and wide, when the BOPRU Sevens identification camps are held throughout the Bay of Plenty. The camps are part of the New Zealand Rugby Go4Gold initiative, where athletes outside of the rugby sphere are given the opportunity to showcase their talents, alongside regular women’s rugby players. The trial camps test participants in the key sevens areas of speed, skill, endurance and character.

Bay of Plenty women from the multitude of sports throughout the region are being encouraged to take part in the Bay women’s 7’s identification selection process.

BOPRU Key Women’s 7’s Dates
18 February – BOP Secondary Schoolgirls 7’s tournament @ Paengaroa Domain

29/30 March – North Island Secondary Schoolgirls 7’s tournament @ Greerton Park

16/22 April – BOPRU Identification Camp (Go4Gold) @ various Baywide venues

For further information contact:
Neil Alton BOPRU Operations Manager 021 570 911