Despite the woes Bay of Plenty Rugby Union have experienced over the past week; due to not receiving sponsorship payments from principal sponsor Blue Chip, support for the Steamers from the local business community has been overwhelming.

"We have had many phone calls from existing sponsors, season ticket holders and rugby enthusiasts delcaring their unwavering support." said Dirk Merwe, Commercial Manager for BOPRU.  "We've lost one sponsor but have acquired two new ones and interest in sponsoring the BOPRU is growing."

Holland Beckett announced their newly found Official Steamers Sponsors status at a recent client function and had the following to say "We all remember the heady year of 2004 when the Steamers won the shield and made the semi's - the community support was fantastic but its in times of adversity that the public and local businesses really need to show their support."  said Bill Holland from legal firm Holland Beckett (Hobec) "and that is why Holland Beckett are pleased to be aligned with the Steamers as an official sponsor for the coming Air New Zealand Cup season, and we encourage other businesses to do the same."

Other businesses have doen the same including Katikati based business Kiwi Mowers who will have their logo on the back of the Steamers playing shorts from the next 3 seasons.
"During 2008 Kiwi Mowers Ltd will celebrate 25 years manufacturing the Kingcat ride on products in the Bay of Plenty.  Kiwi Mowers have a strong following in the Bay and are proud to be local, so it seemed a natural fit this week to stand beside the BOPRU and the Steamers.  Kiwi Mowers have chosen to sponsor the Steamers as an investment in local legends and to reiterate our belief in the province."  said Allan Smyth, Kiwi Mowers Managing Director.

BOPRU is committed to not only finding a new principle sponsor but also finding sponsorship solutions to local enterprises wishing to join the BOPRU fraternity.

For more information, please contact Dirk Merwe, Commercial Manager at dirk@boprugby.co.nz or phone 021 995 133.