Bay of Plenty Steamers head coach Richard Watt with the six provincial trophies won in 2024. Photo / Brydie Thompson
The Bay of Plenty Steamers are determined to make an early statement in the 2025 Bunnings NPC campaign, with their opening match set for August 3 against the Tasman Mako at Tauranga Domain.
After an agonising defeat in the 2024 NPC final – losing in the 96th minute of a dramatic 100-minute showdown to the Wellington Lions – the Steamers are more motivated than ever.
“After the year we had, the players are pretty hungry to come back, reach that final again, and go one better,” head coach Richard Watt said.
This year, the Steamers will play four of their 10 matches in Tauranga – one more than in recent seasons – while Rotorua will host one game.
Reflecting on last year’s narrow margins, Watt noted, “We lost two of our last eight games, both to Wellington, both in extra time.
“They went on to be national champions, so we know we’re not far off.”
Watt emphasised the critical role of home support, particularly at the Tauranga Domain.
Unlike the expansive Sky Stadium where they faced Wellington, the domain offers a packed, close-knit atmosphere that fuels the players.
“As the season gained momentum last year, we saw full houses at the domain. The players feel it when the Bay of Plenty community turns out to support the home games – they know they’re inspiring the next generation. It’s really cool.”
The Steamers’ 2024 season was one for the history books.
Not only did they reach the NPC final for the first time in nearly 50 years, but they made a clean sweep of all six provincial challenge trophies:
“There’s only one trophy missing from this cabinet,” said Watt at the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union and Steamers HQ in Mount Maunganui. “We have all except the national one – the big one.”
Watt believes the Steamers have matured into serious title contenders.
“We’re playing to be the best in New Zealand. After what we’ve developed over the last few years, there’s real belief in the team now that we can win, that we’re good enough.”
The team have lost some key players ahead of the 2025 season.
Prop Aidan Ross has moved to Australia to join the Queensland Reds in Super Rugby Pacific.
“He’s one of our most-capped and senior players, so he’ll be a big loss.”
Locks Justin Sangster and Manaaki Selby-Rickit have both signed with clubs in Japan Rugby League One.
“That’s just the reality at this level,” Watt said. “If they don’t crack the All Blacks after a few years of Super Rugby, most go offshore to earn better money.”
But Watt remained upbeat, with new talent stepping up. Promising lock Aisake Vakasiuola played in the semi-final and final last year when Sangster was injured. He’s currently with the New Zealand Under-20 squad in Italy. Another young lock, Jai Knight, is also expected to make his mark.
The Steamers had five players selected for the Māori All Blacks in recent matches against Japan and Scotland, and also boast two All Blacks, Pasilio Tosi and Emoni Narawa, with two more players – Naitoa Ah Kuoi and Tevita Mafileo – training with the national side.
Prop Mafileo, who played for North Harbour last year, returns to the Bay this season.
One of the Steamers’ strengths heading into 2025 is coaching continuity and cohesion. Watt is joined again by Pingi Talaapitaga, James Porter and John Haynes-Dodd.
“We have cohesion in the team too. Last year, Kurt Eklund, our captain, and Triple T [former test halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi] played their 50th games. Eight players received their 15-game blazers, and we debuted eight new guys. That depth is building.”
The Steamers now boast 21 Super Rugby Pacific-contracted players, up from nine or 10 just four years ago.
“It’s about growing provincial players into Super players – and then letting the Super coaches make them All Blacks. We’re a key part of that development chain. The guys love coming back from the Chiefs, Blues, Hurricanes and the Highlanders to the Bay of Plenty. There’s the sun, the beach and the pride of representing their home and province.”
The Steamers are hoping for strong local support with three home games in the first four weeks:
September brings two more matches at the Tauranga Domain: September 13 – versus Hawke’s Bay; and September 28 – versus Waikato.
Key away games in September include the potential Ranfurly Shield challenge against Taranaki in New Plymouth on September 7. The Bulls will have to see off challenges from both Northland and Waikato for this to align. The other away game is against Manawatū in Palmerston North on September 21.
The Steamers’ last game in the draw is scheduled for October 4 against Wellington, with the venue still to be confirmed.
“We are really looking forward to building on the success of the last season. The players know they have what it takes to win.”
The Steamers will be joined by the Volcanix wāhine toa for two home double-headers. The first is on August 16 at Tauranga: Steamers versus Canterbury at 2.05pm and Volcanix versus Manawatū Cyclones at 11.35am.
The second is a double double-header. On September 13, both the Steamers (2.05pm) and the Volcanix (11.35am) will host Hawke’s Bay in a “Double Battle of the Bays” clash at Tauranga Domain.
“We are extremely excited about this year’s Bunnings NPC draw,” rugby union board chairman Scott Kahle said.
The potential Ranfurly Shield challenge, double header against “old foes” Hawke’s Bay and hosting Tasman, Southland and Waikato were “all exciting fixtures.
“Off the back of last year’s amazing season, this year’s draw presents some opportunities for us, both from a team point of view and commercially.”