With summer nearly upon us Bay of Plenty Rugby Union chief executive Mike Rogers is suggesting SunLive readers consider getting into sevens rugby.

Mike says there are a number of tournaments which will showcase the flare and excitement sevens rugby has to offer.

Bayleys National Sevens Tournament will kick-off again in the new year in Rotorua. Photo: File.

'We are looking forward to an exciting summer ahead, full of action.”

The Bay of Plenty Secondary School Sevens tournament kicks off the summer of sevens on Saturday, October 31.

The unpredictable nature of secondary school sevens rugby makes for an exciting watch for spectators.

The tournament will showcase a number of skilful and talented players and no doubt there will be some future Bay of Plenty and New Zealand Sevens players among them.

Mike says club sevens is another fantastic tournament to be a part of.

'Club teams from Te Puna to Opotiki across to Rotoiti will gather at the Paengaroa Domain on Saturday 14 November to challenge each other for the Sir Gordon Tietjens trophy for the men's and Exia Edwards' trophy for the women's.”

A mix of traditional rivalries and new talent sparks an immense sense of pride and passion in players, making club sevens a thrilling day of rugby action.

The provincial sevens also gets underway in the New Year on January 9. Teams from throughout the country will descend on Blake Park, the spiritual home of sevens Mike says, to compete for their respective provinces.

'This is a great opportunity to see future Olympians who will one day represent either our national men's or women's team. The day will provide ample action with games running throughout the day, finishing with finals in the evening.”

Mike says the Bayleys National Sevens Tournament wraps up the summer of sevens. Returning to Rotorua International Stadium for its third year in a row, provincial men's and women's teams will battle it out for sevens supremacy in their respective championships.

'The inclusion of Sevens Rugby in the 2016 and 2020 Olympics, combined with the increasing growth in sevens worldwide has raised the profile of the game to a whole new level on the international stage. With the popularity of the game growing the tournament provides great colour, flare, skill and excitement making it a must watch for young and old.”

The pathways sevens rugby provides including school and club, onto rep rugby, national level and even the Olympics, means there are both short term and long term goals to work toward.

Mike says registrations for the highlighted tournaments are happening at the moment so get in touch with school sports co-ordinators for school rugby team information or for club rugby contact local club. For a list of clubs and their contact details visit www.boprugby.co.nz