Bay of Plenty company "Industrial Sheetmetals" can now be named as the official back of jersey sponsor for the Steamers no.6 this season.

Industrial Sheetmetals are a general sheet metal workshop that specialise in ducting manufacture, architectural metalwork, and C&C laser folding services.

Established in the Mount in 1960, Industrial Sheetmetals now have a reach spanning the Central North Island.

"The main reason for us to come on board with the BOPRU was that it was an opportunity to invest back into the grassroots Bay rugby community," says Industrial Sheetmetals Managing Director Jon Preston.

"Our partnership means that a large portion of our investment goes directly into the grassroots community side of the game, getting kids involved, growing our referees, new rugby equipment and improved facilities.

"That was something that really appealed to us."

Preston and the many faces behind Industrial Sheetmetals believe in the importance of strong and tight-knit communities and believe that rugby is an essential tool in establishing and sustaining this process.

"I come from the UK, and when I left there 20 years ago, I left behind a community that didn't invest in its grassroots sports clubs and facilities. They quickly fell apart as a consequence," says Preston.

"Rugby is a great centralising force that brings people together. We need to invest in the game and maintain a proud standard from the Steamers right down to the grassroots levels.

"We at Industrial Sheetmetals believe it's bigger than just a game, and this is a value we share with the BOPRU."

Bay of Plenty Rugby General Manager of Rugby Neil Alton says, "we welcome Jon and his team from Industrial Sheetmetals on board with the back of jersey club."

"Increasingly, we see local business recognising the work the Union is doing to nurture the community game, and this new partnership reinforces this."

"Being the third largest Union of 26 provinces has not just happened and is a result of a partnership between our sponsors, funders, clubs, schools and the Union.”

The Steamers host a pre-season game against North Harbour at Katikati Rugby Club on Friday July 30 before officially kicking off their Bunnings Warehouse NPC season at home against Tasman on August 8 at Tauranga Domain Stadium. Home game tickets will be on sale from Sunday July 11 and the Steamers 2021 squad will be named on Tuesday July 27.

Article added: Tuesday 06 July 2021