Bay of Plenty Rugby and Zespri have teamed up to celebrate the positive impact rugby brings to our communities for the upcoming Bay of Plenty Rugby Awards.

Zespri is the major partner of the Bay of Plenty Rugby Awards to be held in Ōhope on Wednesday October 6.

Zespri Director of External Relations Michael Fox is pleased to partner with Bay of Plenty Rugby for the awards, and for the opportunity to celebrate those who play a significant role in the region's rugby.

'We're really looking forward to celebrating the dedicated and passionate rugby players and volunteers who support Bay of Plenty Rugby,” says Michael.

'Rugby is an important way for whānau and communities across the BOP to stay healthy, and to take part in regular exercise. It also helps bring our communities together. The awards give us the opportunity to thank and celebrate those who volunteer their time to the game and the BOP's rugby community.”

Community rugby manager Pat Rae says with so many worthy volunteers working in our community, the Bay of Plenty Rugby Awards are a fantastic opportunity to highlight and recognise just how important these champions are.

'Rugby could not operate without our volunteers, who are the heroes of the game,” says Pat.

'Providing opportunities for aspiring athletes to develop their skills, knowledge and physical fitness is an important part of the Bay of Plenty and New Zealand sporting scene.

'Our athletes show younger players they too can achieve their goals through hard work, commitment and team work. These are traits important to Bay of Plenty Rugby and we're looking forward to acknowledging them at the upcoming awards.”

Zespri will present awards on the night for winners of the Services to Rugby Award, and the Supreme Award at the end of the celebrations.

Clubs and schools region-wide can nominate their most committed volunteers to receive this award.

The second half of the evening will celebrate the Bay of Plenty representative rugby teams and players and their achievements throughout the 2021 season.

Nominations for the Community Awards are open now and can be submitted via club delegates. The event is by invite only due to restrictions in capacity.

In the potential event of future Covid-19 lockdowns or complications, please note that the Bay of Plenty Zespri 2021 Rugby Awards evening may be subject to postponement, venue relocation or cancellation.