Bay of Plenty Rugby Union is keen to sign as many people as possible as players for the new season now that registrations have opened.

Neil Alton says clubs and schools around the region were already seeing a big influx of players signing up while referees and coaches were brushing up on their skills for the coming season by attending training courses.

Maungatapu Tigers' player of the season Casey Pearson, 5, charging down the field. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

'Whether you're a seasoned player or a first timer there's a team or club for you. And if you're a former player, you can stay involved in the game by taking up coaching, refereeing or volunteer at your local club or school.

'Across the Bay of Plenty we have had a great interest in School Rippa Rugby, with 154 teams having signed up in our 6 week modules. We want to keep this momentum going, and we are encouraging young players to now get involved in Saturday morning Junior Club Rugby.”

Brett Johnson Western Bay of Plenty Junior Rugby Officer commented on the positive momentum achieved from transitioning Rippa Rugby players into junior rugby.

'An example of this is the Te Puna Rugby Club having signed up five new teams this year going from 8 teams to 13 teams, which is an outstanding effort.”

Last year 10,102 boys and girls, men and women laced up their boots in Bay of Plenty and the union would like to sign up an extra two per cent in 2016.

New Zealand Rugby is also setting a challenge to schools and clubs to sign up one more team.

'If every club and school registered just one extra team in 2016, we'd have another 16,000 players turning out across New Zealand every weekend,” says Johnson.

Every club and school that registers an extra team in 2016 will go in the draw to win a visit from the All Blacks.

To get involved in rugby go to www.boprugby.co.nz to find a local club near you or call 07 574 2037 for more information.