This year's Tai Mitchell tournament kicks off today, in which teams will go head to head to claim the Tai Mitchell Shield and Bill Murray Trophy at Blake 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.

This year two pre-season qualifying tournaments have been held, splitting the 10 teams into two divisions: one playing for the Tai Mitchell Shield, and the other playing the Bill Murray Trophy.

The six teams that will compete for the Tai Mitchell Shield will be Te Puke, Tauranga West, Tauranga North, Tauranga East, Opotiki and Whakatane. The Bill Murray Trophy will be contested for by Galatea, Rangitaiki, Rotorua Maroon and Rotorua Gold.

Whilst the tournament is all about the boys, this year's tournament provides an excellent opportunity for young referees to also grow and develop. Ten referees from Waikato, Taranaki and Bay of Plenty will control the 25 games, under the direction of four experienced referee coaches.

Tai Mitchell organising committee chairman Seamus Collins says it has been a great build-up with the pre-season tournaments ahead of the Tai Mitchell tournament.

'We don't doubt these tournaments will provide the base for another fantastic and fiercely competitive Tai Mitchell tournament showcasing the upcoming talent in the Bay of Plenty.

'We appreciate the work that goes in from all 10 teams' involved especially their coaches and team management to get their teams ready for this tournament. We are looking forward to all their hard work hitting the fields from tomorrow, until the final on Sunday.

'We are looking forward to having the opportunity to host this year's Tai Mitchell tournament and wish all the teams the very best of luck.”

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 from Thursday July 6 to Sunday July 9.

For the draw and results, visit the BOP Rugby website.