There will be a new Mount Maunganui rugby sevens champion crowned on Sunday, after last year's winner, Rangataua, has elected to remain on the sideline this year.

Simply known as the Mount Sevens, the popular tournament, which dates back two decades, attracts the best club sevens teams from throughout the mid North Island.

Last year's final saw Rangataua defeat Auckland University 34-14.

The university side was amongst the first to register with championship aspirations firmly on their agenda.

Included in the 24 teams that will chasing the championship trophy, are former titleholders Waitemata who clinched the top prize in 2003, 2005 and 2008, along with Mount Maunganui, Taradale, Haveloch North and Hastings RFC who are all former winners of the Mount Sevens.

One Bay of Plenty side that has shown good form in recent weeks is Whakarewarewa.

The Rotorua based side took out the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union Club Sevens played in early December 2011.

Mount Sevens 2012 Entries

Auckland University, College Rifles, Tauranga Sports, Rotoiti, Haveloch North, Hastings RFC, Hinuera, Southern United (Tokoroa) Teachers Eastern, Hautapu Sports, Pakuranga, Greerton Marist, Waitemata, Taradale, Massey, Glenfield, Mount Sports x 2, Whakarewarewa, Te Kauwhata, Eden, Hamilton Marist, Hamilton OB, Suburbs

Previous Tournament Champions

1992 (Whakatane Marist) 1993 (Waikite) 1994 (Takapuna) 1995 (Taradale) 1996 (Helensville) 1997 (Mount Maunganui 1998 (Ngongotaha) 1999 (Takapuna) 2000 (Arataki) 2001 (Havelock North) 2002 (Marist St Pats) 2003 (Waitemata) 2004 (Hastings) 2005 (Waitemata) 2006 (Hautapau) 2007 (Northern United) 2008 (Waitemata) 2009 (Grammar-Carlton) 2010 (Ponsonby) 2011 (Rangataua)