Rippa Rugby modules will kick off for the first time at Whakatane's Rugby Park this afternoon.

More than 300 Year Five to Year Eight pupils will be involved in the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union modules which are taking place in Whakatane and Kawerau.

BOP Rugby manager Mark Seymour recognised the opportunity to further grow Rippa Rugby in the Eastern Bay following positive engagement with the Opotiki community last year.

'After the response we had running a couple of Opotiki Rippa Rugby modules in term four last year, it was the perfect opportunity to get Rippa Rugby off the ground and establish a competition for Whakatane and Kawerau in term one, and Opotiki in term four.”

Rippa Rugby has always had a strong reputation in the Eastern Bay, especially in Kawerau.

'Kawerau Primary took out last year's Baywide Rippa Rugby Competition and then went on to place third at the New Zealand Rippa Rugby Championship in Wellington last year. It was a no brainer to have a module in Kawerau.”

Mark acknowledges the support from the Kawerau and Whakatane communities who've assisted the BOP Rugby Union to establish the Rippa Rugby competitions.

'It wouldn't have been possible without the help of all those involved, the teachers, sports coordinators and parents. It is great for the kids and allows the community to get together to give kids the opportunity to participate in a fun sport and be active.”

BAY OF PLENTY RUGBY UNION'S RIPPA RUGBY SCHEDULE:

Whakatane Module:
Date: Thursday, March 2 – March 23
Location: Rugby Park, Whakatane
Time: 3.30pm – 5.00pm

Kawerau Module:
Date: Wednesday, March 8 – March 22
Location: Tarawera Park
Time: 4.00pm – 5.00pm