The Bays Regional Working Group met last week to continue discussions on key Rugby World Cup 2011 projects
The working group includes representatives from Bay of Plenty Rugby Union, Sport BOP and the region's economic development and tourism agencies.

Working Group Chairman and Bay of Plenty Rugby Union representative Mike Rogers says work is progressing on fanzones, match hosting, team hosting, volunteer programmes, festivals and the ongoing legacy from the Rugby World Cup 2011.
Mike says the region's RWC working group has met since the bid was delivered at the end of October and planning is underway to maximise the value of the Bay's involvement with RWC 2011.
'We hope to announce some key initiatives to the Bay of Plenty community in the near future,” says Mike..
Hosting three games at Rotorua International Stadium will form only one part of the Bay of Plenty's involvement in RWC 2011.
'The first stage in our preparation to host RWC games at the International Stadium has been achieved with the recently completed field upgrading program. Everyone is very happy with the results. The first use will be the Bay of Plenty Steamers competing in the 2009 Air New Zealand Cup,” says Mike.
'There are obvious economic benefits but we also hope to host visiting teams in the region, while locals will have the opportunity to volunteer at games, engage in festival events and other RWC 2011 activities.”
Mike says another important component is the creation of an enduring legacy for the Bay of Plenty region.
On July 28, Whakatane will host a visit from RWC officials to view training facilities and on August 12, officials will be in Rotorua to review the Rotorua International Stadium as a match venue.