Tauranga will be hoping its Tai Mitchell dominance continues for a third straight year when the annual tournament kicks off this afternoon.

Running from today until Wednesday the annual tournament, held at Whakatane's Rugby Park, is for boys up to Year 8.

Tai Mitchell rugby action. Photo: File.

Dating back to its inception in 1938, a total of 10 teams will contest for the title; defending champions Tauranga East, Rotorua Maroon, Apanui, Te Puke, Whakatane, Rotorua Gold, Tauranga West, Opotiki, Rangitaiki and Galatea.

The original Tai Mitchell Shield was presented by 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.

In 2014, Tauranga East survived a late comeback from intercity rivals Tauranga West to lift the Tai Mitchell Shield 25-24 – seeing the shield shift hands between the two finalists with Tauranga West winning the 2013 edition.

The defending champions will open the six-day event against Whakatane. Other opening day matches see Te Puke taking on Tauranga West, Rangitaiki versus Opotiki, Rotorua Gold against Galatea and Te Whanau a Apanui rounding out the day.

This year's final has international referee Glen Jackson appointed to the final.

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 and North Harbour.

For a full list of the draw click here.

The awards presented at the end of the tournament are:

Player of the Tournament Jim McKinnon Trophy Shepheard Trophy for Sportsmanship. Bill Murray Trophy (Plate Winner, 5^th place) Rob Shaw Cup (4th place) Gavin Parkinson Trophy (3rd place) Lawrence Boynton Trophy. (2nd place) Tai Mitchell Shield (1st place)