The Steam Team: One More – rugby documentary follows Bay of Plenty’s grand final run

A documentary about the Bay of Plenty Steamers' run to the 2024 Bunnings NPC Grand Final is viewable on NZR+ and YouTube. Photo / NZRugby

A documentary going behind the scenes of the Bay of Plenty Steamers’ run to the 2024 Bunnings NPC Grand Final has been released.

The documentary on NZR+, New Zealand Rugby’s free content platform, was filmed during the final, high-stakes week of the season, capturing the team’s emotional and physical journey.

From the locker room to the training field, The Steam Team: One More shows the sacrifices, spirit and sense of brotherhood that define the Steamers under head coach Richard Watt.

The story follows the team’s quest to break a nearly 50-year title drought as they prepared to face Wellington in the thrilling final.

“The motivation to make the documentary came from a sense of timing – 20 years since the 2004 team won the Ranfurly Shield,” Watt said.

“That team was an important part of our year, with Vern Cotter and Joe Schmidt involved in our 2024 season launch. It felt fitting, especially as we were on the edge of creating history again for the province.”

Initially hesitant about the idea of filming during finals week, Watt was eventually persuaded.

“I initially said no. But then Keepa [Mewett, the filmmaker] said, ‘Don’t get in the way of yourself’,” Watt said.

“Since he was an ex-player himself, he felt like the right person to let inside our environment without causing any disruption during finals week. He was very professional … we hardly knew he was there. Looking back, if we had got the result we wanted (which we weren’t far off), it would have been documented forever. I’m proud of the boys.”

Steamers captain Kurt Eklund said it was opportunity to show fans what happens behind the scenes and beyond game days.

“There’s so much more to rugby than the 80 minutes on TV,” Eklund said. “Our environment is unique, with a team deeply passionate about our province.

“Sharing that with our loyal fans is something we’re really excited about.”

The Steamers are in fourth place on the 2025 NPC points table after Sunday’s win against the Waikato Mooloos.

They will face last year’s NPC champions, Wellington, at Porirua Park on Saturday.