Arataki Sports Club have announced an exciting new addition to their coaching team for 2021, as a former New Zealand Sevens star becomes Junior Coach Development Officer.

Zar Lawrence played for the New Zealand Maori All Blacks, the Bay of Plenty Steamers and internationally in the sevens format.

He will be taking up the newly formed role which will help toward a focus on supporting and empowering the club's coaches and managers.

'I love the junior rugby club side of the game as it's really whanau orientated and I see a lot of potential from all areas,” says Zar.

'I have a passion for youth development through sport and hard work.”

This year is a special one for Arataki, as the club celebrates its 50th anniversary.

The junior club is relatively young and, although small, continues to grow each year with around 150 kids taking the field on a Saturday.

The junior club is whanau oriented and value parental support and input highly, especially when assisting the coaches and managers in driving these values through our club.

Arataki Junior Rugby is also passionate about growing girl's rugby and this year aims to have two all-girls teams, an U7 Rippa and U9 team.

The club has access to excellent support networks on their back doorstep including Black Ferns internationals Renee Wickliffe and Portia Woodman.

"Our point of difference is the high number of girls playing for our club, and I encourage any girls who are keen to give rugby a try to sign up,” says Tim Foley, the Arataki Junior Rugby Club president.

"The Junior Club sees rugby as more than just a sport, it's a chance for our children to foster new friendships, and to gain life skills and values to go forth in life.”

Children can be registered online.

Go to the Arataki JMC Facebook page for details.