A young Bay of Plenty bull rider will compete alongside the world's best at New Zealand's first Professional Bull Riding (PBR) competition

Mervyn Church, an 18-year-old from Rotorua, is a third generation bull rider and has grown up watching his grandfather and father become national champions.

Mervyn Church on Lucky Strike.

This November, Mervyn will compete alongside the world's best at the inaugural Professional Bull Riders (PBR) New Zealand Cup in Christchurch, after being named as one of the five riders in the first ever New Zealand team to compete.

PBR, the world's premier bull riding organisation and the fastest growing sport in America, is bringing together the top 22 riders from the United States, Australia and New Zealand for the event.

With more than 300 PBR events worldwide, it will be the first time that the ‘toughest sport on dirt' will be showcased in New Zealand.

Mervyn got on his first calf at just five-years-old and now travels the world riding bulls bred for their bucking abilities and weighing up to 1000kg.

He was the New Zealand Rodeo Cowboys Association All Round Rookie and Bull Ride Rookie Champion in 2011.

His grandfather and namesake, Mervyn Church (senior) was made an Order of Merit for services to rodeo in 2002 and has won several national all-round championships.

'It's in my blood to be a bull rider,” says Mervyn, whose uncles and cousins also compete.

'This is a huge event and I am really excited to be competing on home ground alongside some of the best international riders out there at the moment.”

For six months of the year Mervyn is on the road competing in the United States and Canada.

'We spend the summer competing at rodeos in New Zealand and the winter travelling to shows overseas. You do get tired and sore but you just have to keep going and give it your all.

'I still get a bit nervous before a big event but it is second nature to me now. There is an adrenaline rush every time you get on a bull but I have done this most of my life.”

He says the sport is not for the faint hearted and the best riders show grit and determination.

'You have to have a big heart, never quit and you need to be tough. That's about it.”

The PBR New Zealand Cup will be held at the CBS Arena in Christchurch on Thursday, 13 November 13.