A rear seat passenger with back injuries climbed from the wreck before emergency services arrived.
The driver of the northbound ute suffered chest injuries, including broken ribs, from her seatbelt. She and the surviving passenger from the car were taken to Bay of Islands Hospital in Kawakawa.
The woman's husband had been driving a vehicle in front of his wife, and narrowly missed colliding with the southbound car, before it collided with the ute.
The dead men played for Kaeo Rugby Club, and club president Allan Martin said they were "very exciting rugby players" who had been with the club for years.
"I think it's such a shock to everybody ... we're just trying to comprehend it."
The Bay of Islands Rugby Union also offered support to the families of the men.
"Kaeo has lost two promising young rugby players ... they were players who came through the grades of the club.
"Our condolences to both families and the Kaeo rugby club."
A St John spokesman said he could not understand how the car's rear-seat passenger had survived, or managed to get out of the wreck on his own.
"It's a shame, a couple of young lives wasted," he said.
It is believed that speed, a wet road - a light drizzle was falling at the time - and alcohol were possible contributing factors.
An officer from the serious crash unit spent the night examining the scene and is due to return today to continue his investigation.
Fire Service volunteer support officer Colin Kitchen praised the work of volunteer firefighters from Kaeo and Kerikeri, and other emergency personnel. Several of the Kaeo firefighters knew the victims. All had been offered counselling.
Northland police issue safety warning ahead of holiday weekend - pg3.
