After two years of COVID-19 disruptions, the World Schools Sevens tournament is ready for a major uptick in international participation, when it returns this weekend.
This year's event will feature teams from Asia and Europe, with players hoping it can be a launching pad to a future in the sport.
The New Zealand weather might give them a taste of home, but the Wales U18 side are relishing the chance to compete at a higher level than ever before.
"It's an exciting opportunity," said coach Jonathan Hooper. "We know this part of the world - New Zeland, Australia - is a hotbed of sevens."
They're keen to make the most of this hotbed. In Wales, where the women's game continues to flourish, the World Schools Sevens is seen as a vital stepping stone to one day achieving higher honours.
"We want a career in rugby, so being able to play in an environment like this is a great eye-opener to the future," said Welsh captain Gwenna Hopkins.
There is firsthand proof that can happen.
"There's over 30 players from seven different countries who have now gone on to higher honours, playing on the HSBC Sevens Series or in 15s for their World Cup teams," said World Schools Sevens organiser Phil Gaze.
After starting out seven years ago with teams from New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific, the tournament has only grown, with sides from Wales, Japan, Canada and France now here to compete.
"We've created a platform here for kids to be able to express themselves, express their culture, their gifts and talents they've been given, and that's why they come, to go to that next level," said Gaze.
The success of this year's Rugby World Cup has also attracted more teams.
"After the New Zealand World Cup this year, I think we were all really excited, when we heard the opportunity to come here," said Hopkins. "The sport is growing at home, so to be here and follow in their footsteps is exciting."
Twelve teams are already on the waiting list for next year, with organisers hoping to one day surpass 100.
The opportunities for the next generation of stars are showing no signs of slowing down.
