Grassroots rugby is kicking-off this weekend with Premier Men's rugby on Saturday in both Western and Central Bay.

Premier Women's rugby will be played on Sunday.

Next Saturday sees senior rugby kick-off in Eastern Bay and after the school holidays, Secondary Schools and Junior Rugby also kick-off.

"On behalf of the entire Bay of Plenty Rugby community, we'd would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire population of the Bay of Plenty Region and all of New Zealand for the outstanding work we all did in not only flattening the COVID-19 infection curve," says BOPRU CEO Mike Rogers and chairman Paul Owen, "but virtually eliminating all community transmission of this illness from our shores."

"Superbly led by our government, you, as part of the team of five million banded together to execute some extraordinary strategies to combat the spread of coronavirus.

"When the country was taken to Alert Level 4 on Wednesday, March 25, it looked like all sport would be lost for 2020.

"As a result of your hard work, we are now only days away from seeing rugby back on our club and school rugby fields.

"To the families of those New Zealanders who lost loved ones, our heartfelt condolences to you all. To all essential workers, the medical & hospital personnel, emergency service men and women, supermarket staff, transportation industry, primary producers, a round of applause to you all for the hard work during the lockdown to ensure the rest of us remained safe, with stocked supermarket shelves.

"Many of you have paid dearly during this unprecedented event. From losing your jobs, having to lay off staff, to closing the doors to your small businesses.

"Everyone understands that these are going to be tough times as the country rebuilds its economy and we here at the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union recognise this cost.

"If it wasn't for all of our efforts and sacrifices in complying with our Government's lock down requirements, we would not be in the unique position we are now in.

"Lastly, to those many hard working volunteers, club and school committee delegates that kept your clubs and school rugby teams hopes alive, the coaches that maintained connections with their players, and to all the staff of the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union, a huge thank you all for your efforts during this time.

"Our sport is owned and run by our community and you have all performed outstandingly, given the tough and uncertain environment that we've navigated ourselves through."