Rugby split over: Major changes for Bay clubs

Rugby fans can look forward to seeing Steamers players such as Johan Bardoul (left), Te Rangi Fraser and Vyron Smith in action this week. Photo /Andrew Warner

Fears of a damaging split in Bay of Plenty rugby ended after a landmark decision this week by the region's three sub-unions.

Rumours had simmered since the end of this year's Baywide premier club competition that the Central Bay and Eastern Bay clubs might set up their own competition without the dominant Western Bay clubs.

This week's agreement for a new unified competition augurs well for the future of Bay of Plenty rugby.

Former Steamers player and coach Ron Preston is pleased with the outcome.

But it was not reached without soul searching and compromise from the nine delegates involved.

Changes will be made next year and a new competition from 2016.

Next season's club season is split into two parts. The first round is local competitions only in the three regions, followed by one complete round of Baywide premier rugby, with the top six from Western Bay and three each from Central Bay and Eastern Bay. The development teams of those 12 clubs will play alongside the premier teams.

In 2016, the 12 premier clubs and 12 divison 1 clubs will play off to form three divisions of eight teams.

In a major change, the bottom four teams in premier and division 1 will be relegated, with the top four teams in division 1 and division 2 gaining promotion.

Western Bay delegate Vaughan Bidois said it was a great format.

"The existing club structure served the interests of the top nine clubs and there was only a small window to exit that premier division," Bidois said. "For teams like Te Puna around middle of the table, the new format will suit them. It provides exposure for everyone to premier football and fairer pathways."

Eastern Bay's Tony Howe said the delegates came to an agreement through consensus rather than voting.

"No one got 100 per cent of what they wanted but we walked away content that all three sub-unions were listened to and we all benefited in some way," he said.

For Central Bay's Ron Preston, it was "a no-brainer they all had to stay as one".

"There is no way we are going to strengthen Bay rugby by going our own separate ways because we don't get our own way," Preston said. "It was very constructive and it did take a bit of compromising and nutting out but I think it is the best for all the clubs."

Bay of Plenty Rugby chief executive Mike Rogers was pleased the delegates acted in Bay rugby's interests.

"Compromise was important because it is impossible to deliver what everyone wants across this region when you have 39 clubs. They all ... looked to find a solution, which was great."