Bay of Plenty will be the star attraction in 2014 after being awarded the hosting rights to the national 7s tournament.

The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) has awarded Rotorua two year hosting rights following a board meeting to ensure the tournament caters for the future needs of players, fans, sponsors and broadcasters.

From 2014 Rotorua will host the annual national 7s tournament replacing Queenstown.

There were three shortlisted tenders for the hosting rights, Taupo, Queenstown and Rotorua.

The tournament will be held at Rotorua International Stadium in 2014 and 2015 replacing Queenstown, which has hosted the tournament since 2003.

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union chief executive Mike Rogers says it is a tournament which brings great exposure in what is exciting times for the sport.

'It's good for a number of reasons including sevens being included in the Olympics for 2016. It's starting to grow and expand.”

Already this year there is a women's division in both the national and international tournaments along with a more structured qualification programme for the men to compete in the tournament.

The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union is working closely with the NZRU to grow the tournament and have plans to integrate age group, Maori and masters competitions into the annual tournament.

Mike says Rotorua is an attraction over the holiday period and is central to all the teams which will help reduce costs for all involved.

'At that time of the year Rotorua is a tourist attraction in itself along with the Bay of Plenty region.

'It's a place where it's easy to go to.”

Queenstown will host the 2013 national sevens tournament from January 12-13.