The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union Holiday Programme is set to return for the upcoming school holidays in Tauranga, Whakatane, Opotiki and Rotorua.

The programme provides the opportunity for rugby mad youngsters to get the chance to experience expert coaching, team challenges and trainer of the day prizes across the Bay of Plenty.

The programme is aimed at both boys and girls between six and twelve years of age. While the intention of the programme is to teach the youngsters fundamental rugby skills, the emphasis is on fun and enjoyment - it is about more than just teaching basic rugby skills.

The Western Bay of Plenty holiday programme proudly sponsored by Sara Brown of Eve's Realty will take place at Blake Park, Mount Maunganui during the first week of the school holidays.

On Wednesday the programme will kick off, with two days of action for both boys and girls aged six to twelve years of age. The Western Bay of Plenty programme will conclude with a Master Class on Friday for ages eight to twelve years.

On Monday April 23, the Central Bay of Plenty holiday programme will kick off for the first time in Rotorua. Whakarewarewa Rugby Club will host the holiday programme which is proudly sponsored by Patchells.

On Tuesday April 24, the Eastern Bay of Plenty holiday programme will kick off in Opotiki. With the remaining two days of the holiday programme hosted at Whakatane's Rugby Park on Thursday and Friday April 26-27.

The boys and girls attending their respective holiday programmes will be treated to expert coaching from the Bay of Plenty representative players' as well as days full of fun and enjoyment.

Central Bay of Plenty Rugby junior development officer Kelly Haimona says, 'It is great we can offer our Holiday Programme for the first time in Rotorua. The Rotorua community have got in behind it and we are sure that the kids will make the most of the opportunity to be a part of an action packed and fun programme come Monday.”

Western Bay of Plenty junior rugby officer Kendra Reynolds says, 'We are really excited about, our Bay of Plenty Rugby Holiday Programme returning again to Blake Park. It is great to have the support from local sponsors Sara Brown – EVES Realty and also the integration of Crossfit Alliance, Primal Kids and Moana FM to add an extra dimension to the programme.”

In an attempt to attract as many aspiring rugby players in our region as possible, the price has been kept to a modest $30 per day in the Western Bay of Plenty, $20 per day in the Eastern Bay of Plenty and $35 for the Master Class.

Bay of Plenty Rugby Holiday Programme Details

Western Bay of Plenty:

Tauranga

Ages 6-12

Date: Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 April

Where: Blake Park, Mount Maunganui

Time: 9.00am - 3.00pm

Cost: $30.00 per day

Register: www.boprugby.co.nz

Tauranga - Master Class

Ages 8-12

Date: Friday 20 April

Where: Blake Park, Mount Maunganui

Time: 9.00am - 3.00pm

Cost: $35.00 per day

Register: www.boprugby.co.nz

Central Bay of Plenty:

Rotorua

Ages 6-12

Date: Monday 23 April

Where: Whakarewarewa Rugby Club

Time: 9.00am - 3.00pm

Cost: $20.00

Register: www.boprugby.co.nz

Eastern Bay of Plenty:

Opotiki

Ages 6-12

Date: Tuesday 24 April

Where: Princess St Reserve, Opotiki

Time: 9.00am - 3.00pm

Cost: $20.00

Register: www.boprugby.co.nz

Whakatane

Ages 6-12

Date: Thursday 26 and Friday 27 April

Where: Rugby Park, Whakatane

Time: 9.00am - 3.00pm

Cost: $20.00 per day

Register: www.boprugby.co.nz