Some of the young future stars of rugby will get the chance to shine at this year's Baywide Rippa Rugby World Cup.

About 1500 kids, in two grades (years three and four and years five and six) have been involved in three Rippa Rugby World Cup tournaments over the past three weeks.

This week will see the top 12 teams in each grade compete in the Baywide Rippa Rugby World Cup. These tournaments, have been running for 10 years and are a chance for many girls and boys to take their first steps in playing rugby.

Each team must have five girls and five boys for all three regional tournaments, the Baywide tournament and NZR National Tournament.

It is a great introduction into rugby for these players, learning key skills; being passing, catching, evasion, support, communication and working as a team.

The winner of the year five and six competition will represent the region at the national Air New Zealand Rippa Rugby Championship in Wellington from August 22 to 23. Last year Te Akau Ki Papamoa finished in third place at National Rippa Rugby tournament.

This year 64 teams have competed in Western Bay of Plenty, forty teams competed in Central Bay of Plenty and 40 teams competed in Eastern Bay of Plenty. The 104 teams involved were from 76 schools.

Western Bay of Plenty Junior Rugby Development Officer Brett Johnson says it is great to see the number of kids, in particular girls involved in Rippa Rugby.

'We have witnessed some amazing talent over the past couple of weeks, it is hard to believe they are years 3 to 6. It should be a fantastic day to see the best Rippa Rugby talent for each area of Bay of Plenty on display; it is an awesome experience and day for all who are involved.”

Tournament date and qualified teams:

Baywide Wednesday June 15, Paengaroa Domain, Paengaroa. 9.30am to 2.30pm

Western Bay of Plenty:

St Mary's, Papamoa, Omanu, Arataki (year 3 and 4) Maketu, Papamoa, Maungatapu, Arataki (year 5 and 6)

Eastern Bay of Plenty:

Opotiki Primary / Kawerau South / Apanui School / Kawerau Putauaki (years 3 and 4) Kawerau South / Opotiki Primary / St Josephs, Whakatane / Allandale School (years 5 and 6)

Central Bay of Plenty:

St Mary's / Otonga / Kaharoa / Kawaha Point (years 3 and 4) St Mary's / Otonga / Ruamata / Glenholme (years 5 and 6)