Blake Park is turning into the home of sevens rugby today and tomorrow.

The Bay Of Plenty Rugby Union is hosting the North Island Secondary Schools Sevens national tournament this week.

The North Island Secondary Schools Sevens tournament gets underway today.

Locals and visitors alike will be able to witness some of the country's best up and coming sevens talent in these age groups.

With the growth in women's rugby and sevens now an Olympic sport, the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union is excited to be hosting this successful tournament to show case the future stars of NZ Sevens especially the girls' teams.

This year there is sixteen U15 boys' teams split over two divisions – open grade and co-ed grade, six U15 girls' teams, new U19 boys' grade with five teams and a twelve U19 girls teams.

It's guaranteed these two days will be packed with fast running and flowing rugby to keep locals and visitors entertained.

The 2015 winners of the boys U15, De La Salle are back to defend their title along with Hamilton Girls High School in the girls U19 and in the girls U15.

With the U19 boys adding to this tournament for the first time, it is guaranteed to be an enjoyable two days as these teams can expect a tough challenge for their title.

'I am really excited to be running this tournament, it is great to be able to host such high caliber teams in the Bay of Plenty,” says Tournament Director Ian Parata.

”We are confident this tournament will continue to be a high quality experience for all involved. We know it creates a buzz in the schools and we look forward to seeing the tournament continue to grow in the future.”

NZSSSC U15 & U19 BOYS AND GIRLS 7's TOURNAMENT DETAILS

Date: Thursday, April 7, and Friday, April 8.

Time: 9am – 5pm

Venue: Blake Park, Mount Maunganui