Bay of Plenty's Baywide Pro 4 series kicks off today, giving players below Steamers level the chance to extend their season and taste representative rugby.

With the club season wrapping up last weekend the Bay union is keen to keep offering its players the opportunity to strap on their boots and maintain their training regimes.

The series also increases players' exposure to representative rugby and provides a competitive arena for the Bay's high performance talent to continue their development, as well as allowing Steamers selectors the chance to keep an eye on potential future picks.

The series launches with two matches at Blake Park.

Bay of Plenty Pasifika are the reigning champs, after taking out last year's inaugural series, and will begin the task of defending the title when they take on their Bay Maori counterparts, Te Waiariki, in the feature match kicking off at 2.45.

The remaining two sides in the series, Western and Central Bay, meet in the opening match at 1pm.

Matata Rugby Club hosts the second weekend of round robin fixtures next Saturday, then the series wraps up Saturday August 18 at Marist St Michael's, Rotorua.

Baywide Pro 4 Series draw:

Today at Blake Park:

Central Bay of Plenty v Western Bay of Plenty, kickoff 1pm.

Bay of Plenty Pasifika v Te Waiariki, kickoff 2.45pm.

Saturday 11 August at Matata Rugby Club:

Te Waiariki v Western Bay of Plenty, kickoff 1pm.

Bay of Plenty Pasifika v Central Bay of Plenty, kick off 2:45.

Saturday 18 August at Marist St Michael's, Rotorua:

Western Bay of Plenty v Bay of Plenty Pasifika, kick off 1pm

Central Bay of Plenty v Te Waiariki, 2:45.