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Te Akau Ki Papamoa School's first taste of rippa rugby on the national stage has ended in securing a well-earned bronze medal.

Making a strong start to yesterday's Rippa Rugby Championship finals day the Papamoa side made it through to the semifinals beating Waikato to continue their unbeaten run in the championship.

Te Akau Ki's Corban Laban-Palmer and Reef Newdick in action against Manawatu at the Rippa Rugby Championship. Photos: Dave Linott.

But they were unable to continue the streak losing to eventual winners Counties Manukau in the semifinal.

The fourth annual Rippa Rugby Championship brings together 20 teams made up of Year 6 boys and girls representing ITM Cup and Pink Batts Heartland Championship provinces.

The Papamoa primary school won the right to represent the Bay of Plenty after taking out the regional tournament earlier this year.

In the third and fourth playoff Te Akau Ki made up for the disappointment thumping Manawatu's Riverdale School 40-10.

The win gave them the chance to meet Hurricanes flanker Ardie Savea who presented them their winning medals.

Counties Manukau's Roscommon School secured the title defeating Paparoa School from Canterbury 45-20 in a thrilling final of the two day national tournament in Wellington.

On the opening day Te Akau Ki made it through unbeaten wining all four games against Tasman, Northland, Manawatu and Wairarapa Bush.

New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew says the tournament is a fantastic success praising everyone involved for helping creating a positive, fun event. 'The Rippa Rugby Championship is an important tournament because it reminds us why we do this and why we love rugby.

'It brings together kids from all over the country to be competitive, have fun and be part of a team. For parents, one of the greatest gifts you can give your kids is a love of sport.”

Rippa Rugby is a safe, non-contact form of rugby aimed at primary school-aged children where instead of tackling, players rip velcro-fastened tags off each other's waists. The games are seven minutes each way.