The Bay of Plenty Steamers are heading to FMG Stadium in Hamilton to take on their Chiefs brothers Waikato from Mooloo Land in the opening round of the 2024 Bunnings National Provincial Championship.  This will also be billed as a double header because the Bay of Plenty Volcanix will be joining them on the road to also take on their fierce rivals and Chiefs Manawa sisters Waikato.

For the Steamers, the draw gods haven’t been kind because they then have to back up with a STORM WEEK home game against Counties Manukau 4 days later under lights at Rotorua International Stadium.

There’s a mix of juicy home day games including North Harbour, Manawatu, reigning champions Taranaki and the mighty Taniwha from Northland as well as some tough foes on the road, Otago, Tasman, Wellington and Auckland.

Steamers head coach Richard Watt comments, “We are really excited about having the Storm week first up.  3 tough games in 8 days is a going to really test the depth of our squad.  If we can get through that relatively injury free and bank a some points then we set ourselves up nicely for a run at the pointy end of the season.”

Here’s the full draw for the Bay of Plenty Steamers

1. Saturday 10^th August 4.35pm vs Waikato at FMG Stadium Hamilton
2. Wednesday 14^th August 7.05pm vs Counties Manukau at Rotorua International Stadium
3. Sunday 18^th August 2.05pm vs North Harbour at Tauranga Domain
4. Sunday 25^th August 2.05pm vs Otago Forsyth Barr Stadium Dunedin
5. Saturday 31^st August 7.05pm vs Tasman Blenheim
6. Friday 6^th September 7.05pm va Manawatu at Rotorua International Stadium
7. Saturday 14^th September vs Taranaki at Tauranga Domain
8. Saturday 21^st September 2.05pm vs Wellington in Wellington venue TBC
9. Saturday 28^th September 2.05pm vs Northland Tauranga Domain
10. Sunday 8^th October 4.35pm va Auckland Eden Park Auckland

Article added: Thursday 07 March 2024