Community helps revive club

A rugby club has resurfaced in Waiohau after seven years without a team.

Support from the Waiohau community and interest from players has helped re-establish the Waiohau Rugby Sports and Cultural Club.

There has not been a rugby team in Waiohau, near Galatea, since 2006.

Waiohau coach Sheldon Williams said he started the club up this year with the help of community members.

Growing up in the town he remembered there being a rugby team at the club and said it had a huge impact on helping himself and other boys come out of their shells.

"There is quite a few young fellas hanging around the place and some playing for other clubs just over the hill," he said.

Williams said they had about 20 players at their trainings and they played their first pre-season game last weekend against Galatea.

Waiohau will play in the Eastern Bay of Plenty local club competition starting today.

Meanwhile, the Baywide division one competition will only include one full round this season and is due to start on May 24.

Rotorua clubs in division one will take part in a local Central Bay of Plenty competition starting today, as a build-up to the Baywide competition.

Today's matches will see St Michael's hosting Waikite, Murupara at home against Reporoa and Ngongotaha welcoming Kahukura.

The matches begin at 2.30pm.