Bay of Plenty rugby players across all grades will observe a minute silence before kick-off this Saturday to honour Northland teenager Jordan Kemp.

The 17-year-old budding rugby player died following a suspected head clash during a club rugby match in Whangarei last Saturday.

Northland teenager Jordan Kemp.

His death sent shockwaves throughout the country's rugby community and strengthened calls for player safety, especially in regards to concussions, to be improved.

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union operations manager Neil Alton says Jordan's death was an absolute tragedy.

'We just wanted to show our support to Northland's rugby community and Jordan's Otamatea Rugby Club,” he says.

'It is our understanding that Jordan's family has a connection to the Eastern Bay of Plenty so we think it is appropriate for us to pay our respects.”

Neil says it will also be a time for players, clubs and the Union to reflect upon and be thankful that an incident like this has not happened in the Bay of Plenty.

While the minute silence is voluntary, Neil believes most clubs will take the opportunity to pay their respects to Jordan and his family.

But a number of clubs have already expressed their support for the tribute, Neil says.

Bay of Plenty will be one of a number of unions throughout the country to observe the minute's silence, which also includes Northland and North Harbour rugby unions and Super Rugby.