Tauranga will become Sevens central next month with the National Sevens being held at Tauranga Domain.

It was announced late last year the National Sevens tournament would take place in Tauranga with the tournament being shifted from January to December, to boost the number of top level players available to play.

Today Bay of Plenty Rugby Union has announced TECT as the new principal funder for the National Sevens to be held at Tauranga Domain on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 December.

TECT Wayne Werder says the community will be the true benefactor of the TECT National Sevens and they are proud to support the event.

'TECT is delighted to be able to support the National Sevens event. Hosting these type of events in Western Bay of Plenty creates both economic and social benefits for our local community, and aligns nicely with TECT's vision that our consumers are engaged in a vibrant and enriching community.”

TECT National Sevens Tournament Director David Pearce says TECT will bring another dynamic to the event.

'Bay of Plenty Rugby Union is grateful for the partnership with TECT for the upcoming National Sevens.

'TECT and the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union have taken a unique approach to the event collectively choosing three charities to support.

'As recognition of their community contribution, Volunteers and family members from Tauranga Riding for the Disabled, Good Neighbour and three units of the Eastern Region Coastguard will be given complimentary tickets to come and enjoy the rugby festival. We will also be supporting some lower decile local schools to be able to attend the event.”

David says there is a positive alignment between TECT and Bay of Plenty Rugby Union in particular in their acknowledgement of local volunteers.

'It's important to both TECT and Bay of Plenty Rugby Union that volunteers are acknowledged and looked after. It was a really hard choice this time around and if all goes well we hope to support further charities in the future.”

TECT National Sevens tickets will go on sale 1 November.

Tickets will be $15 for adults, $10 for students, $5 for children under 15 and under-fives are free.

Tickets will be available from Dash Tickets with family concessions also available.

David says affordability is a key driver to get people along and support the 28 teams taking part.

'With the tournament to be held just over a week before Christmas, it is a great excuse to spend the weekend at the sevens watching some fast action rugby.

'With games being 14 minutes long and 78 games to choose from, there will be something for everyone. It was important for us to deliver a great ticketing offer for people to enjoy this.”

For further information on the TECT National Sevens head to www.nationalsevens.co.nz or to www.dashtickets.co.nz for tickets.

TECT National Sevens:

National Sevens Tournament established in 1976, with the inclusion of the women's competition in 1998. 2018 will see the tournament move to its new location the Tauranga Domain where it will feature 16 men's and 12 women's compete on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 December. Teams will qualify from three regional tournaments over the weekend Saturday 8 December and Sunday 9 December. The tournament is expected to attract substantial local interest combined with visitors coming from across the country to support the teams. The tournament will be televised live on SKY television across the weekend.

TECT National Sevens

Date: Saturday 15 December and Sunday 16 December

Location: Tauranga Domain

Regional Qualification Tournaments

Southern Regional Sevens

Date: Saturday 1 December

Location: Alpine Stadium, Timaru

Central Regional Sevens

Date: Saturday 1 December

Location: Playford Park, Levin

Northern Regional Sevens

Date: Saturday 1 December

Location: Memorial Park, Cambridge