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For some rugby players the ‘Battle of the bridge' between Tauranga and Mount Maunganui is one of the biggest matches of the year.

Imagine what it must feel like for Tauranga Sports' Little Raptors ahead of running out on to the Tauranga Domain to showcase their blossoming wares in front of a passionate crowd.

Three to four-year-olds running out onto the pitch.

As part of this afternoon's Bayfair Baywide Club Rugby Competition final round Tauranga Sports is running its sponsors, supporters and wives and girlfriends day at the club – giving the budding young players chance to share the limelight.

The three and four-year-olds will walk the premier players on to the field ahead of the decisive final round clash as well as skills demonstrations and a game at halftime.

It comes after the club, this season, has been giving children an extra push in the sport, with a rugby grade for the younger age bracket.

For the last 10 Saturday's, between 8.30-9.30am, the Little Raptors have been hitting the ground running, after more than 30 children took part in the opening session.

The aim is to teach children the basics of catching and passing as well as drills that top-level players use, including agility tests with ladders and tyres.

Little Raptors Rugby founder Ati Aaifou-Olive says this is proving beneficial with numbers rising significantly to now sit at about 80 each week.

The training is free of charge to those interested.

Little Raptors Rugby runs from 8.30am-9.30am at the Tauranga Domain every Saturday for the next 15 weeks.

For more information contact Ati on 021 590 080.