More than 1500 kids, in two grades will be involved in the four Rippa Rugby World Cup tournaments in the coming weeks.

These tournaments are a chance for many girls to take their first steps in playing rugby.

Each team must have at least three girls for the regional tournaments and for the Baywide and NZR National Tournament each team must have five girls and five boys.

The winner of the year five and six competition will represent the region at the national tournament in Wellington.

Last Year Opotiki Primary School represented the Bay of Plenty winning through to the semi final stage before being narrowly beaten by the eventual winners Auckland.

The Western Bay of Plenty tournament will be special as the NZ U20 team will be playing a warm up game prior to their participation in the Junior World Cup which NZ is hosting.

Central BOP regional rugby administrator at Bay of Plenty Rugby Johan Bardoul says the increase in participants in Rippa Rugby has been huge.

"The tournaments so far this year have created a taste tester for the World Cup. The teams have showed great enthusiasm and the kids are really looking forward to the event.

"Thanks to Sport Bay of Plenty for their enthusiasm as well. The World Cups promise to be really enjoyable, heaps of fun and beneficial for the rugby community.”

Dates for the tournaments are as follows:

Central Bay of Plenty – week 3 term 2 - Wednesday 21st May (postponement Fri 23rd).

Western Bay of Plenty – week 4 term 2 – Wednesday 28th May (postponement Fri 30th).

Eastern Bay of Plenty – week 5 term 2 – Wednesday 4th June (postponement Fri 6th).

Baywide – week 6 term 2 – Wednesday 11th June (postponement Fri 13th).