Following an extensive viewing and selection process end of 2011, NZRU selectors have picked a group of young men to attend one of the development camps in their region in July next year. Congratulations to the players who have been selected from the Bay Waikato region.

Provincial rivalries old and new will feature in New Zealand’s favourite provincial rugby contest, the 2012 ITM Cup which will again include mid-week games.

The Wider Training Groups for the Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Crusaders and Highlanders Super Rugby squads have been confirmed for the 2012 season.

With Rugby Sevens set to become a Olympics in 2016, the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union are putting in place a strategy to become the leading Sevens province in the country. This Saturday (5 November 2011) the first step in the BOPRU Sevens pathway, will kick of with the Secondary Schools Rugby Sevens taking place at Western Heights High School.

A key appointment in the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union Rugby Sevens pathway has been made with the appointment of Charles Baxter as the 2011-12 Bay of Plenty Sevens Coach.

There have been few more dramatic finishes in the annual Roller Mills Rugby tournament Grand Finals, than the Bay of Plenty victory on Saturday. With the Bay trailing by two points with the clock showing full time, no one could have imagined the drama that would take place when Eru Hohepa stepped up to attempt a penalty goal.

The Bay of Plenty Roller Mills team, came second in the match-up with tournament favourites Auckland East, on day three (11 October 2011) of the annual Roller Mills rugby tournament being played in Thames.

Expectations are high, that the 2011 Bay of Plenty Roller Mills team heading for the annual Roller Mills tournament to be played in Thames Valley next week, have the firepower to bring the prestigious primary school trophy back to the Bay of Plenty.

The Northern Region Under 16 Championship decider between Bay of Plenty and Waikato played at the Tauranga Domain on Saturday (1 October 2011), lived up to expectations of a showcase of the best young talent in the Chiefs franchise.

A 70 nil victory by the Bay of Plenty Under 16 team against King Country on Saturday (24 September 2011), has set up a Northern Region championship decider, at Blake Park, Mount Maunganui next weekend.

The Bay of Plenty Under 16 representatives posted a convincing Northern Region competition victory against Counties Manukau on Saturday (17 September 2011). A good number of Bay Under 16 supporters accompanied the side to the Counties region, as the Bay of Plenty team threw down the gauntlet to the other North Region contenders with a 32-18 victory.

The main game at Moore Park in Katikati on Saturday (10 September 2011), resulted in the Bay of Plenty Development team grabbing the last try of the match in the dying seconds, to snatch a 23 all draw with North Harbour.

A late three-try burst from the Auckland Development team, blew out the scoreline in the last quarter of the match against the Bay of Plenty Development team, played on Saturday (3 September 2011).

The Bay of Plenty Under 20 team, put together an improved performance in their second game of the Northern Region competition, when they were defeated by Auckland on Saturday (27 August 2011).

Super Saturday, nicely sums up the climax to the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Secondary Schools Rugby Championships, which will be played out at Murray Salt Stadium in Te Puke this Saturday (27 August 2011).

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Media Release 16 August 2011

Te Puke Sports, came form a nine point deficit at the half way stage of the Bartercard Baywide Premier Championship Final played on Saturday (6 August 2011), to grab the title in the dying minutes of the match.

A select group of Baywide rugby players will have a special reason to remember the Centennial Year of the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union, when they are presented with the winner’s medals of the five Bartercard Baywide Finals, to be played this Saturday (6 August 2011) at Greerton Park in the Western Bay of Plenty

The business end of the 2011 Bartercard Baywide season has arrived, with the red-hot action of Baywide semi-final rugby taking place on Saturday (30 July 2011).

Te Puna and Whakatane Marist have one last throw of the dice, as they battle to avoid relegation from the Premier division of the Bartercard Baywide rugby competition. The cutthroat element of the Premier championship means that the team that finishes last in the 2011 Premier ranks, will play in Division One next season.

Bartercard Baywide Rugby Review 17 July 2011 Two draws and a one point victory, testified to the intensity of competition in the penultimate round of the regular season, in the Bartercard Baywide Premier competition played on Saturday (16 July 2011) afternoon.

The waiting is over for the 2011 Bay of Plenty Steamers, who will kick of there quick fire campaign in the 2011 ITM Cup, against Counties Manukau at Growers Stadium in Pukekohe early on Sunday (17 July 21011) evening.

Te Puna took a solid step to avoiding relegation from the Bartercard Baywide Premier competition, when they defeated competition leaders Tauranga Sports at Maramatanga Park on Saturday (9 July 2011).

Whakatane Marist faces their most important game of the 2011 Bartercard Baywide Premier season so far, when they travel to the Rotorua this Saturday (9 July 2011) to face Waikite.

While first game of the 2011 Bay of Plenty Steamers team building/preparation camp being held in Hawkes Bay this week didn’t produce a victory - the game against Hawkes Bay on Tuesday (5 July 2011) was part of the final preparation for the rigours of the 2011 ITM Cup competition.

Rotoiti and Whakarewarewa bounced back from recent poor form that saw then slip down the standings, to post a victory apiece in the Bartercard Baywide Premier competition on Saturday (2 July 2011), albeit in contrasting circumstances.

The Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Secondary School Rugby first fifteen Championships, kicked off on Saturday (25 June 2011) with Otumoetai College and Opotiki College taking first round honours in Division One.

Bay of Plenty Steamers captain Colin Bourke provided the icing on the cake for Mount Maunganui with his sides third try, as they defeated Eastern Bay visitors Opotiki, in the Bartercard Baywide Premier rugby competition, on Saturday (25 June 2011).

Bay of Plenty Steamers Head Coach Sean Horan has selected plenty of players with Steamers experience, coupled with a number of new recruits, in his Steamers XV lineup to meet Taranaki at Moore Park in Katikati on Friday (24 June 2011) afternoon.

Tauranga Sports were one of three Bartercard Baywide Premier championship contenders, that posted emphatic statements on Saturday (18 June 2011).

Opotiki and Waikite, face what is probably there biggest challenge of the 2011 Bartercard Baywide Premier rugby competition, when they meet in the Eastern Bay of Plenty on Saturday (18 June 2011)

Opotiki caused another upset in the Bartercard Baywide Premier competition, when they provided Whakarewarewa with their second successive defeat on Saturday (11 June 2011).

Tauranga Sports still have vivid memories of last year’s second round match-up with Rangataua, in the Bartercard Baywide Premier Rugby competition, when they were beaten 36-27 by the fellow Western Bay side.

The Central (Rotorua) Sub-Union won the Te Hurinui Apanui Shield, at the BOPRU Sub-Union one day tournament held at the Murray Salt Stadium in Te Puke on Monday (6 June 2011), with Western BOP retaining the Shalfoon Shield.

Te Puna played good old-fashioned wet-weather rugby, to upset Whakarewarewa in the Bartercard Baywide Premier Rugby competition, at Maramatanga Park on Saturday (4 June 2011).

Whakatane Marist who earned a reputation as the Bartercard Baywide Premier competition giant killers in the second round last season – looked to have again picked up that mantle this year.

The surprise of the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Secondary School first fifteen competitions, came in the midweek match-up between Rotorua Boys seconds and Western Heights

Rotoiti outside back Sikeli Vorenasu grabbed all of his sides points in a real battle of attrition against Waikite, in the opening game of round two of the Bartercard Baywide Premier rugby competition, on Saturday (28 May 2011). The Rotoiti flyer scored the only try of the match, and added the conversion and a penalty goal.

Mount Maunganui who sit just off the pace in the Bartercard Baywide Premier title race, will receive a real test of their championship contender status, when they play Whakarewarewa at Whaka headquarters on Saturday (28 May 2011).

Tauranga Sports wrapped up the Bartercard Baywide Premier first round trophy, with a bonus point victory against Rotoiti on Saturday (21 May 2011), at the Tauranga Domain

Western Heights, surged to the top of the BOP Polytechnic Secondary Schools First Fifteen Division One competition on Saturday (14 May 2011), when the defeated John Paul College 33-5.

Whakarewarewa won an absolute thriller against Rotoiti in the Bartercard Baywide Premier competition on Saturday (14 May 2011), to remain in contention for the first round title, which will be decided next weekend.

Rangataua’s defeat of competition leaders Whakarewarewa, has set up a three team race for the Bartercard Baywide Premier first round trophy, with just two games remaining in round one.

The Eastpack Bay of Plenty Rippa Rugby World Cup (RRWC) has a big prize at stake for the winner of the Bay of Plenty Year Five and Six Final, to be played at Paengaroa on Wednesday 8 June 2011.

The first Saturday (7 May 2011) in May also signals the beginning of BOP Polytechnic Secondary Schools Rugby Competitions.

Rangataua consolidated their Bartercard Baywide Premier Rugby top four position, when they comprehensively defeated Rotoiti on Saturday (30 April 2011).

The Eastpack Bay of Plenty Rippa Rugby World Cup (RRWC) has a big prize at stake for the winner of the Bay of Plenty Year Five and Six Final, to be played at Paengaroa on Wednesday 8 June 2011.

The following players will take part in the final New Zealand Under 20 trial camp in Palmerston North starting Monday 25 April.

The Easter holidays brings a real treat for Bay of Plenty Club Rugby fans, with the Bartercard Baywide rugby competitions spread over three day of the holiday break.

Mount Maunganui and Te Puna, will get a head start to round four of the Bartercard Baywide Premier competition, when they provide the curtain-raiser to the Chiefs v Crusaders Super 15 game at Bay Park Stadium, Mount Maunganui, on Friday (15 April 2011) evening.

All Blacks, Chiefs and Waikato loose forward Liam Messam has re–signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and Chiefs franchise and will play his rugby in New Zealand through until the end of 2013, it was announced today.

The Western Bay of Plenty, will attract plenty of attention in round three of the Baywide Premier Rugby competition, with four of the five games taking place in the region, on Saturday (9 April 2011).

Former Baywide Rugby heavyweight Waikite, who impressed in their return to the Premier ranks in the opening round of BOPRU Centennial Year club competitions last weekend, will be brimming with confidence when Mount Maunganui travel to play the amber and black brigade on Saturday (2 April 2011)

Media Release 26 February 2011

MEDIA RELEASE - 21 February 2011

MEDIA RELEASE - 25 January 2011

MEDIA RELEASE - 10 December 2010

MEDIA RELEASE - 24 November 2010 Traditional provincial rivalries will be prominent in next year’s ITM Cup as Provincial Rugby bosses chose local derbies in the first ever match selection web-conference today.

MEDIA RELEASES - 8 November 2010

29 October 2010 All Blacks winger Sitiveni Sivivatu is to miss the All Blacks Telecom Backing Black Tour to Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and Ireland after a scan confirmed the extent of his new knee injury.

BAY OF PLENTY RUGBY UNION - SALES REPRESENTATIVE The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union, one of the leading rugby unions in New Zealand, is seeking

 Media Release 17 October 2010 The large band of Bay of Plenty Steamers fans, that turned up on a beautiful spring day at Baypark Stadium in Mount Maunganui on Saturday (16 October 2010), were rewarded when the Steamers defeated Southland 33-22 in round twelve of the ITM Cup

Media Release 11 October 2010 The Bay of Plenty Northern Region representative program wound up for the 2010 season, with two losses on Saturday (9 October 2010).

STEAMERS UPDATE The undoubted success of the 2010 ITM Cup is mostly provided by the intensity of the competition. Never was that more evident than in the Steamers game last Sunday, where the Bay of Plenty Steamers were defeated by just two points.

Bay Of Plenty Rugby is a proud and progressive Rugby Union steeped in history and tradition.

Media Release 30 September 2010 On Sunday (3 October 2010) the two youngest Bay of Plenty age group representative teams will have their day in the sun.

Media Release 23 September 2010 The Bay of Plenty Under 18 team has their biggest test of their season when they travel to Auckland in a top of the table clash on Saturday (25 September 2010). Auckland A who lead the Northern Region competition by a solitary point from the Bay of Plenty representatives, are the cream of Auckland age group talent.

Media Release 25 September 2010 The Bay of Plenty Steamers posted their third successive victory in the ITM Cup, when they defeated Otago in a high scoring affair at the Rotorua International Stadium, on Friday (24 September 2010) night.

21 September 2010 A large fallen tree that blocked the entrance to the Eastern Districts Rugby Club at the Paengaroa Domain, failed to halt the enthusiasm displayed at the BOP Polytechnic Sub-Union Under 14 and 15 representative rugby matches, on Saturday (18 September 2010)

Media Release 20 September 2010 The Bay of Plenty Steamers snatched a dramatic come from behind victory in the ITM Cup, against Counties Manukau at Baypark, Mount Maunganui on Sunday (19 September 2010) afternoon.

Media Release 9 August 2010 For the first time in the 2010 ITM Cup, the Bay of Plenty Steamers will have the home ground advantage, when they play Auckland at Baypark, Mount Maunganui on Saturday (14 August 2010) afternoon.

Press Release 29 July 2010

Press Release 28 July 2010 Western Heights High School continued their unbeaten run, in the BOP Polytechnic Secondary Schools first fifteen competition last Saturday (24 July 2010) when they hosted Reporoa College.

Media Release 24 July 2010 The Bay of Plenty Steamers will play their first ITM Cup match next week, with a quiet air of confidence, after they made a clean sweep of their 2010 preparatory marches at Whakatane on Friday (24 July 2010).

Bartercard Baywide Rugby Preview 22 July 2010 The business end of a long Bartercard Baywide season has arrived, with the top four to go on to contest the Premier and Division One semi-finals, set in concrete after results are posted this Saturday (24 July 2010).

Press Release 22 July 2010 With the school holidays and the preliminary skirmishes out of the way, the BOP Polytechnic Secondary Schools first fifteen competition, gets serious from the resumption of play this Saturday (24 July 2010).

Media Release 19 July 2010 While the Rugby World Cup hits New Zealand in 2011, the exhilaration of top-level rugby will be experienced when twenty-four Bay of Plenty teams endeavour to lift aloft the first Baywide Rippa Rugby Championship.

Media Release 17 July 2010 The Bay of Plenty Steamers posted their second successive success, in their three game preparation for the ITM Cup, when they defeated Hawkes Bay in a fast paced encounter in Napier on Friday (16 July 2010).

Media Release 14 July 2010 The Bay of Plenty Steamers build-up towards the 2010 ITM Cup continues in Napier on Friday (16 July 2010), when they play long time rivals Hawkes Bay in Napier.

Bartercard Baywide Rugby Review 11 July 2010 Whakarewarewa and Rangataua were the big movers on the points table, on a day where the top three teams in the Bartercard Baywide Premier title race, suffered defeat

Media Release 10 July 2010 The Bay of Plenty Steamers won their first warm-up encounter of the 2010 season, when they

Media Release 6 July 2010 The Bay of Plenty Wasps who will take on Counties Manukau on Wednesday at Moore Park in Katikati on Wednesday (7 July 2010) have named a mixture of youth and experience in their line-up.

Media Release 1 July 2010 The Bay of Plenty Steamers squad for the 2010 ITM Cup has a balanced look with the nucleus of last year’s team, and a number of new recruits to provide additional strength in key positions.

Media Release 24 June 2010 The Bay of Plenty Wasps emerged from the game with the Waikato based Harlequins on Wednesday (23 June 2010) with a solid victory.

Bartercard Baywide Rugby Review 20 June 2010 Whakarewarewa and Rangataua both remained in the race for the Bartercard Baywide Premier playoffs on Saturday (19 June 2010), albeit in contrasting circumstances.

Media Release 11 June 2010 A strong line-up, selected from the recent PGG Wrightson Sub-Union series, will represent the Bay of Plenty Wasps when they take on the (Waikato) Harlequins in their annual match-up.

Press Release 8 June 2010 The 2010 PGG Wrightson BOPRU Sub-Union series, will be decided in a sudden death shoot-out at the Murray Salt Stadium in Te Puke on Wednesday (9 June 2010) evening.

Bartercard Baywide Rugby Review 6 June 2010  

Bartercard Baywide Rugby Preview 3 June 2010 The race for the Bartercard Baywide Premier championship silverware continues this Saturday (5 June 2010) with defending champions Tauranga Sports, holding a solitary one point advantage from Rotoiti.

Click here to download Heartland Championship 2010 season draw

Ball Boys will be selected for their maturity, commitment to the game & trainings, respect always shown towards coaches/referees/supporters and a fair & sportsmanlike attitude.

Press Release 27 May 2010

Press Release 26 May 2010 PGG Wrightson (PGW) have upped their sponsorship of Bay of Plenty Rugby, recently signing to sponsor the BOPRU Sub-Union series, which kicks off in Rotorua this Wednesday (26 May 2010) night.

MEDIA RELEASE - EMBARGOED TO 10.00PM NZT (11AM UKT) TONIGHT 24 May 2010

MEDIA RELEASE -21 May 2010  

Bartercard Baywide Rugby Review 16 May 2010 Rotoiti joined Tauranga Sports at the top of the Bartercard Baywide Premier points table, after they defeated the Tauranga visitors at Emery Park on Saturday (15 May 2010).

Bartercard Baywide Rugby Preview 13 May 2010 The much anticipated clash, between the two top teams in the Bartercard Baywide Premier rugby competition, will take place at Emery Park on Saturday (15 May 2010) when Tauranga Sports arrive to play Rotoiti.

Bartercard Baywide Rugby Preview 7 May 2010 There is no bigger match-up in the Bartercard Baywide rugby competitions each year, than the local Rotorua derby between Rotoiti and Whakarewarewa. This Saturday (8 May 2010) the two Baywide heavyweights will square off at Puarenga Park.

Press Release 5 May 2010 Trident High School who have made a solid start to the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Secondary Schools rugby competitions, will face a big test this Saturday (8 May 2010) when they host Tauranga Boys College first fifteen.

A significant event, in the celebration of one hundred years of New Zealand Maori Rugby, is to take place at the Rotorua International Stadium on Friday 18 June 2010.

Bartercard Baywide Rugby Preview 29 April 2010 Two mid table clashes in the Bartercard Baywide Premier title race, could change the complexion of the points table, after round six is completed on Saturday (1 May 2010).

MEDIA RELEASE - 22 April 2010

Press Release - 21 April 2010

Bartercard Baywide Rugby Review 11 April 2010 Bay of Plenty Baywide Premier rugby results on Saturday (10 April 2010) suggested that the 2010 top echelon championship, will go down to the wire in late July before the post section contenders are found.

Bartercard Baywide Rugby Review 4 April 2010 One of the bigger upsets in Baywide rugby in recent season took place at Rugby Park in Whakatane on Easter Friday (2 April 2010) when Whakatane Marist defeated Rotorua heavyweight Whakarewarewa.

Bartercard Baywide Rugby Preview 31 March 2010 The Easter holiday break provides three days of Bartercard Baywide rugby, kicking off on Thursday evening (1 April 2010) when Te Puna host Te Puke Sports, under lights at Maramatanga Park.

Media Release 25 March 2010 There is plenty of anticipation and optimism, leading into the start of the BOPRU Bartercard Baywide rugby competitions this Saturday (27 March 2010).

MEDIA RELEASE -15 March 2010

MEDIA RELEASE - 12 March 2010

Wednesday - 27 January 2010 SANZAR MEDIA RELEASE SANZAR has today released a revised draw for the 2010 Super 14 competition.

Media Release - 23 December 2009 The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union is pleased to announce the signing of 2009 All Black Lelia Masaga for 2010 and 2011.

MEDIA RELEASE -11 December 2009

‘Mexted – You’re not alone!’

Media Release 19 October 2009 The Steamers last match of the 2009 Air New Zealand Cup, will be played before a large crowd of the teams passionate supporters, this Sunday (25 October 2009). Nothing less than a victory against Taranaki, will suffice to finish the season on a high note for both players and fans alike.

Media Release 14 October 2009 STEAMERS ON A MISSION IN PALMERSTON NORTH The Steamers mission this Friday (16 October 2009) night in Palmerston North, is to move up the leader board in the Air New Zealand Cup - so as they can push on to finish their season with a flourish, at Bay Park against Taranaki the following weekend.

Media Release 12 October 2009 Although the Steamers have slipped down the Air New Zealand Cup point’s table, they are only a few of points off fourth place. Victory in next Fridays match-up with Manawatu in Palmerston North is vital to finishing the season on a high note.

See the fur flying in the Air New Zealand Cup Media Release 30 September 2009

Media Release 17 September 2009 The Bay of Plenty Steamers showed that they have courage in spades when they defeated Tasman 24-13 at Baypark Mount Maunganui, on Thursday (17 September 2009) evening.

Media Release 14 September 2009 The intensity of the Steamers Air New Zealand Cup campaign has stepped up another notch, with just six days between the Southland game, and this Thursday (17 September 2009) nights encounter with Tasman.

Media Release 9 September 2009

Media Release 6 September 2009 The only regret that the Bay of Plenty Steamers had when they left Baypark at Mount Maunganui on Saturday (5 September 2009) was that the Ranfurly Shield wasn’t on the line.

Media Release 31 August 2009 While there was some disappointment with the Steamers loss to Auckland on Sunday there was little time for the side to look backwards. While the challenge of Canterbury this Saturday is another big hill to climb - the Steamers will have the advantage of their many passionate and vocal supporters on hand at Baypark Mount Maunganui.

Media Release - 30 August 2009

This Sunday afternoon, Auckland and Bay of Plenty will compete for the inaugural ‘John Drake Boot’ when the two teams meet at Eden Park in Round 5 of the Air New Zealand Cup.

Media Release - 23 August 2009 Thousands of passionate Bay of Plenty Steamers fans streamed into Baypark at Mount Maunganui on Saturday (22 August 2009) to watch “Our Team” defeat archrivals Waikato.

Media Release - 16 August 2009

The confirmed squad is:

Media Release 27 July 2009 The preliminary skirmishes are over - with the main event about to commence this Friday night (31 July 2009), when the Bay of Plenty Steamers kick off their Air New Zealand Cup campaign, at the Rotorua International Stadium.

Media Release - 12 July 2009

Media Release - 6 July 2009

Media Release - 17th June 09 After nearly three months of Bay of Plenty club rugby, three sub-union series games, and two trial encounters the 2009 Bay of Plenty Steamers have been selected.

Media Release - 9 June 2009 There has been a change plans in the early season representative games that will lead to the selection of the 2009 Bay of Plenty Steamers.

Bay Of Plenty Rugby is a proud and progressive Rugby Union steeped in history and tradition.

The schedule attached outlines the Coaching workshops planned for 2009. We have our

Bay Of Plenty Rugby is a proud and progressive Rugby Union steeped in history and tradition.

SANZAR postponed an expansion of the Super Rugby finals series until 2010 during a teleconference on Tuesday.

Beaten, but unbowed were the Bay of Plenty Steamers, when they left the field at Baypark, Mount Maunganui on Saturday (11 October 2008) evening.  While, the Air New Zealand Cup quarterfinal against Southland, didn’t produce the result that the thousands of loyal Steamers fans wanted - both players and supporters can look back on a wonderful journey during the season.  The Steamers roared onto attack in the opening spell - with Nigel Hunt touching down early in the game. A few minutes later came the first Southland reply with a converted try. A Mike Delany penalty then put the Steamers in front for the last time in the encounter.

In the words of the Bay of Plenty Steamers Manager Sean Horan, “it’s been a long journey” that has taken the Steamers to a home quarterfinal against Southland, at Baypark on Saturday (11 October 2008) night.

With the 2008 Bay of Plenty age group representative rugby season fading into history – the weekend results ended the season for some of the most promising talent in the region.  The Bay of Plenty primary school representatives ended the Roller Mills tournament in Te Kuiti, with a creditable third place. The Northern Region championship saw the local representatives, go into the semi-final against Waikato, with an unbeaten round robin record.

According to at least one of his teammates, John Moore appears to be floating on air this week. It's no wonder because the Steamers' hardworking lock will bring up his 50th match for the Bay of Plenty Union tonight when they take on Hawkes Bay in the final round robin weekend of the Air New Zealand Cup.  When Moore runs out on to McLean Park in Napier he will join his father Robert ``Robbie'' Moore (67 caps) in the Bay's 50 game club. According to Bay statistician Brent Drabble, they will be the first father and son to reach the half century mark for the Bay of Plenty.  It's a milestone the staunchly proud one-union, one-club man was keen to reach alongside his father. 

Throughout their 2008 Air New Zealand campaign, the Bay of Plenty Steamers have adopted a policy of one game at a time. While many of the team's loyal fans started to look at the quarterfinals when the winning streak continued, the Steamers just focused on the next encounter on the horizon.  The one game at a time attitude has seen the Steamers arrive at the business end of the season, having already secured a quarterfinal berth. Victory on Friday (3 October 2008) over Hawkes Bay in Napier could secure a home quarterfinal next week.  Steamers Manager Sean Horan said early in the season “This seasons Steamers campaign has been about single week by week performances, with each game a fresh challenge forthe team”.

The Bay of Plenty Under 16’s finished their season with narrow but solid victory, over archrivals Waikato on Saturday. Playing off for third place in the Northern Region championship - the two sides were meeting for the second time in three weeks.

In what looks to be a season defining Air New Zealand Cup encounter, the Bay of Plenty Steamers will meet Southland at Baypark on Thursday (25 September 2008) evening.  With both teams in equal fourth place in the Air New Zealand Cup (with a identical 5 win 3 loss record), the prize on offer is a likely home quarterfinal in two weeks time.  Steamers Manager, Sean Horan, said “the Southland game ranks as the most important match of the season, with a win putting the team within reach of a home quarterfinal.  The attractiveness of a home quarterfinal is really important to the team, who truly value the massive home crowd support that they have received this season,” said Horan.

A single point differential saw two Bay age group sides grab victory on Saturday (20 September 2008) – and the Under 16’s come agonizingly close to making next weeks Northern Region final stanza.

The Bay of Plenty Steamers Air New Zealand Cup campaign doesn’t seem to get any easier this week.  After a narrow loss to Auckland last week, the Steamers must back up against Canterbury in Christchurch this Thursday night (18 September 2008).  The statistics between the two provinces, tells the tale of an apparent Canterbury domination - with the Blue and Gold brigade winning just 6 of the 27 encounters, between the two provinces.  However this season looks to be the best chance of the Steamers picking up their first victory over Canterbury since 1996 – where the local team emerged triumphant in Whakatane.

Eleven wins from 53 matches, tells the story of the mountain that the Bay of Plenty Steamers must climb this Friday night, when they face Auckland in the Air New Zealand Cup.  While wins over one of the real heavyweights of New Zealand provincial rugby may have been relatively few and far between – Steamers supporters will have little trouble recalling the last victory over the traditional foes in 2004.

The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union has today announced a principal sponsor in industrial employment solutions company, Tradestaff. Tradestaff is a nationwide company including branches in Tauranga and Rotorua.

A handful of Steamers players had valuable hit-outs for other Bay of Plenty representative teams over the weekend, as head coaches Kevin Schuler and Steve Miln kept their extended squad as match-fit as possible.

A mist of nostalgia will probably waft over Baypark Stadium on Friday (5 September 2008) - in the curtain raiser to the Steamers Air New Zealand Cup encounter with Otago.  The curtain raiser will see the lacing up of the boots of a number of Bay of Plenty rugby legends of the past. A number of the greats who one pulled on the Blue and Gold uniform in different era’s, will have the opportunity to relive past glories, one more time.  Playing under the banner of the Bay of Plenty Classic team, some of the best-known names in Bay rugby, will play a Chatham Island representative team. The team from the outer extremities of New Zealand are currently on tour on the mainland.

The Bay Of Plenty Rugby Union announced today that Jamie Nutbrown had received an early release from his contract and has signed to play with the Ospreys Club in Wales.

The reality of posting an unbeaten record is in all probability - that defeat will come at some stage. With both the Bay of Plenty Steamers and Wellington running onto Westpac Stadium with four from four win records in the Air New Zealand Cup – one side was about to lose their season undefeated record.

The Bay of Plenty rugby representative season starts for real this weekend, with four teams chasing the championship silverware on offer.

Bay of Plenty Steamers fans probably feel that they need to pinch themselves to make sure its real – second place in the Air New Zealand Cup, and a top of the table clash against Wellington at Westpac Stadium this Saturday (30 August 2008) afternoon.

While the Bay of Plenty Steamers held onto their Air New Zealand Cup unbeaten run this season - they had to withstand a sustained Northland attack in the last minutes of the match.  With the knowledge that Northland wanted to produce a victory in front of their supporters who have stayed loyal to the team – The Steamers knew that they faced a battle royal.  Northland made the early running in the game - before a rare incursion into enemy territory by the Bay, saw Mike Delany calmly slot the penalty goal, to put the first points on the board.

Thousands of the Bay of Plenty Steamers passionate supporters will be tuned into Sky Television on Friday (22 August 2008) when “their” team takes on Northland in Whangarei.  Only the most fervent Blue and Gold followers could have imagined the start that the Bay Steamers would make to this years Air New Zealand Cup. After three rounds of the Cup - the Steamers unbeaten start to the season has put them in second place, just one point

While defeated, the Bay of Plenty Development team playing under the mantle of a BOP XV, had just the pre-championship hit out that they wanted.

Six Bay of Plenty teams are about to embark on their respective representative programs.  The Bay Development team, which provides back up for the Steamers, will take their place in the NZRU National Development team competition.

The New Zealand Rugby Union has today announced its draft determination of the 12 teams which will be invited to participate in the Air New Zealand Cup from 2009, subject to consideration of any final feedback. 

Tauranga Sports joined Waikite as four time winners of the Baywide premier championship, when they defeated Rangataua in the 2008 final on Saturday (9 August 2008).

Twelve Bay of Plenty rugby teams will have their day in the sun this Saturday (9 August 2008) - when they contest the Barter Card Baywide Finals at the Rotorua International Stadium.

This Saturday will be a busy day for rugby fans in the Bay!  Rotorua will play host to the 2008 Bartercard Baywide Club Finals Day at Rotorua International Stadium and then supporters will get the opportunity to see the Bay of Plenty Steamers vs. Counties Air New Zealand Cup game scheduled for 5.30pm.  Prior to the start of the 2008 Baywide Club competition the BOPRU Board of Directors decided to confirm Rotorua as the venue for the Bartercard Baywide Club Finals Day and the Steamers vs. Counties Air New Zealand Cup games which were both being held on the 9th August 2008. This decision to predetermine the finals venue is a change to the current Baywide Club competition rules but the BOPRU Board felt it important that this decision was made prior to the start of the Baywide Club competition. In 2006 the club finals were held in Rotorua and the Steamers match was held in Tauranga. The feedback the Union received indicated this was not ideal as the travel in between meant that many were not able to attend both events.

Rangataua who won just one of its first four Baywide top echelon games, stormed through to grab the top spot, in the premier championship qualifying round.

The last Saturday (26 July 2008) of the regular Baywide club rugby season, has thrown up a number of must win encounters, for teams on the cusp of next weekends semi-finals.

The semi-finalists in the Baywide premier championship have been found with one round remaining.

A berth in the Baywide premier semi-finals is the prize for Te Puke Sports if they can dispatch long time rivals Rotoiti on Saturday (19 July 2008). Te Puke are currently sitting in fourth spot on the points ladder 4 points clear of Rotoiti who are fifth.

There was quiet air of satisfaction on the bus home from Palmerston North after the Bay Steamers had defeated Manawatu in a pre-season game.

This Saturdays (12 July 2008) results in the Baywide premier title race will determine the genuine championship contenders.

July is the month where the Baywide championship contenders make their intentions clear on the field of play. With upsets abounding in the opening rounds - six of the eight teams in the premier championship still look to have a chance of making the semi-finals.

Two of the unbeaten teams in the Baywide Premier championship clash at Te Ariki Park this Saturday (28 June 2008). At stake for the winner, is a big leap forward towards the Baywide Semi-Finals, to be played on the first Saturday in August.

Bay Of Plenty Steamers Head Coach, Kevin Schuler and his Assistant, Steve Miln, have named their 2008 Air New Zealand Cup Squad.

The start of the Baywide premier championship on Saturday (14 June 2008) saw the intensity ratchet up several notches - with all four teams posting victories adding a bonus point.

Bay Of Plenty Steamers coach Kevin Schuler and his assistant Steve Miln have named their Squad for the Bay XV match against Poverty Bay in Opotiki on Wednesday the 18 June (kick-off 2pm @ Opotiki Sports ground, Opotiki).

The Bay of Plenty representative rugby build-up continued on Tuesday (10 June 2008) against the (Hawkes Bay) Saracens at the Rotorua International Stadium.

Steamers in Wasps clothing buzzing

While the top five in the Baywide top echelon re-inked their premier championship invitations on Saturday (31 May 2008) - the mid table clash between Rangataua and Te Teko, produced one of the best games seen at Te Ariki Park, for many a day.

Round nine of the Baywide section one rugby competition was expected to clarify the top eight contenders, who will compete in the Baywide premier championship. However two upset results on Saturday (24 May 2008) have created a logjam in the middle of the competitions point’s ladder.

The top of the table Baywide section one clash, between Rotorua heavyweights Whakarewarewa and Rotoiti, resulted in a decisive six-try victory to Whaka. A 22-3 score line at the half time break was extended in the second half with the competition leaders waltzing home 46-9.

Two matches either end of the spectrum of the Baywide section one rugby competition, will generate plenty of interest on Saturday (17 May 2008).

MEDIA RELEASE

MEDIA RELEASE

The BOPRU Sub-Union match, to be played under lights at Murray Salt Stadium this Wednesday (7 May 2008) between Western Bay and Central - will play a crucial part in who ultimately wins the Te Hurinui Apanui Shield this season.

MEDIA ADVISORY

MEDIA RELEASE 

Media Release - 21st April 2008

Media Release - March 10th 2008

Media Release -17 April 2008

Three unpredictable factors played a big hand in the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union presenting a $759,058.00 loss to stakeholders, at the Annual General Meeting held on Sunday 24th February 2008.

Yesterday afternoon saw BOPRU annual general meeting come to a conclusion and despite announcing a large financial loss many positives came out of yesterdays AGM.  "The turn out at Whakarewarewa Club rooms yesterday was quite good and the collective support of where the union is at and where it needs to be was also very encouraging," said Stuart Harvey, CEO and Chairman.  "There was a lot of speculation but once the facts were presented it became obvious to all that for the union to be where it needs to be, it will only get there through working together".

Hong Kong will host one of the world rugby's great contests in November when the All Blacks and Australia battle for the Bledisloe Cup at the Hong Kong Stadium.

'Bay of Plenty Maori selected for Northern Region Maori Squads'