Rugby: Baabaas fun day ticks all the boxes

The New Zealand Barbarians brought their unique brand to the Bay for the first time yesterday, transforming Paengaroa Domain into a carnival of running rugby at a Bay of Plenty Rugby Union fun day.

More than 300 kids from 20 schools across the province mingled with newly-signed Steamers Keepa Mewett, Tim Bond and Kane Hames and played some exceptional rugby in fine conditions.

Former All Blacks prop Ron Williams, who has been associated with the New Zealand Barbarians for about eight years, said the Bay of Plenty fun day is seen as the first step in expanding the popular Auckland-based programme nationwide.

"It's a concept that's worked in Auckland for 24 years that we are now taking to the provinces," said Williams.

"We're looking at Northland and Taranaki, and then taking things step-by-step. We want to put time and effort into the amateur game and we're hoping to make it an annual event.

"We've got 20 schools, whereas up in Auckland we have 40, but that's a good number and on a day like this it's a great way for the kids to spend a day with their mates playing rugby and probably a bit more fun than doing their school work."

The association, which sponsors the New Zealand secondary school top four competition and development team, comprises about 550 members in New Zealand and roughly 120 others worldwide.

Local secondary school students participating in the union's 'You Make the Call' refereeing course were in control of the action and did an excellent job.

Judging by another strong showing from the Baywide Rippa Rugby champions, the Opotiki premier side shapes as quite a handful in 2030.