Club bragging rights are on the line this weekend as the Bay of Plenty Club Sevens takes place at Rugby Park in Whakatāne on Saturday.

There will be several Eastern Bay teams – along with a few from Rotorua and Tauranga – involved across what is likely to be a competitive men’s division.

EBOP Rugby Sub Union is running the day, and committee member Noi Elmiger said the format had changed from last season.

“This year there is just one day of competition.

“Last year there were three rounds of matches at Whakatāne, Whakarewarewa and Katikati and it dragged it out a bit.

“We’re cutting back to one day and hoping it will bring out the best players and be a really popular day for all the clubs.”

She hopes it will encourage more clubs to get involved.

“We feel like for a one-off weekend clubs will get involved and at Rugby Park it’s going to be good fun.

“We’re excited.”

There will be a men’s and women’s division with the winner of the men’s grade getting the opportunity to attend the National Club 7s finals in February 2027.

Games will kick off at 9am on Saturday and run throughout the day.

It’s a cracking tournament and has helped unleash some stars for the Bay of Plenty Steamers and Volcanix over the years, along with unearthing some new talent.

Last year, Whakatāne Marist hosted the day and this year they are joined by the EBOP Sub Union as the major hosts for the day.

If Marist have their Pacific Island players available, they could be a real threat as they love to throw the ball around.

Ōpōtiki, with the likes of Braeden Elmiger, Tane Howe and Tamarau Karepa, provide plenty of pace and should be one of the stronger teams if the trio are in action, while the foot work and skill of Paroa’s Kurt Baker, Ethan Wharewera and Mason Raynes should find plenty of holes.