Bay of Plenty 7's rugby is gearing up for a busy time with the Northern Region 7's being played in Auckland this Saturday ahead of the Bay Engineers Supplies Provincial 7's tournament, at Blake Park Mount Maunganui on January 5.

The Northern Region 7's qualifying tournament has NZRU National 7's berths on the line for both the men and women's divisions.

Bay Rugby Player Development Manager and Men's team coach Dean Jennings says the first goal at the Northern Region qualifiers is to book a place at the National finals and the tournament will also set a good platform for the Bay of Plenty Provincial 7's in early January and the Nationals later that month.

'While the men's side has always been a contender at the Provincial and National 7's, there is a stern challenge on the line for the women's side, who are fielding a representative 7's team for the first time in five years.

'The Bay women face a big task with just two to qualify for the Nationals from Auckland, Counties Manukau, Waikato, North Harbour and Northland,” says Dean.

The Bay philosophy of the promotion of youth continues in the men's 7's team with the selection of Mason Walker, who played for Rotorua Boys' High School this season.

Leading the ranks of experience are former New Zealand 7's players Nathaniel Walker and Zar Lawrence, with a good balance of durability and pace coming from the other team members.

Both the 2012 champions in the Bay Engineers Supplies Provincial 7's are returning to the Western Bay of Plenty to defend their titles, at Blake Park on Saturday, January 5.

Men's champions Taranaki who blitzed Canterbury 40-0 in the final, were amongst the first to confirm their entries for the 2013 tournament, with Canterbury again making the long journey from the South Island to take part.

Women's titleholder Auckland, who beat Waiarapa Bush 29-19, will join a full field of eight women's teams in the 2013 title race.

BOPRU Men's 7's Team

Jason Hona, Adam McGarvey, Nathaniel Walker, Elijah Nicholas, Curtis Van der Heyden, Ngatai Kingi, Alex Jessop, Mason Walker, Josh Hall, Philip Togo Togo Rua, Zar Lawrence, Akira Mako.

Coach: Dean Jennings

BOPRU Women's 7's Team

Hanna Tapiata, Cali Turner, Kate Henwood, Sasha Mahuika, Gemma Pearson, Kendra Reynolds, Eliza Stephens, Michelle Montague, Aran Wright, Toia Tiwha, Rhyleigh Hayes, Dolly (Hineau) Roberts.

Coach: Kevin Lee

Bay Engineers Supplies Provincial 7's Tournament @ Blake Park 5 January 2013

Men's Entries

Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Canterbury, Counties Manukau, Hawkes Bay, Horowhenua Kapiti, Manawatu, North Harbour, Northland, Taranaki, Waikato, Wellington.

Women's Entries

Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Counties Manukau, Manawatu, Taranaki, Wellington, Waikato x 2.