Premier competition split in two

CLUB RUGBY: Rotoiti's Cory Marsters (with ball) in action against Waikite last season. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

BAYWIDE club rugby will undergo a few more changes this season - keeping in step with the big changes planned for Bay of Plenty rugby at the end of 2014.

A revamped premier competition and division one competition were introduced last season following discussions between the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union and its three sub-unions (Central, Eastern and Western Bay), at the end of 2014.

Last season two sides were added to the Baywide premier rugby competition, Waikite (Central Bay) and Whakatane Marist (Eastern Bay), to better represent clubs from outside the Western Bay.

The next set of changes will be unfolded this year. The major change this year will see the club season split into two parts or two rounds.

The first round will include two, 12-team competitions (premier and division one) where every team plays each other once. After round one finishes, the teams will be re-ranked and split into three, eight-team competitions for round two.

Playoffs will then be held in each of the three divisions, with a champion crowned in the premier grade, premier two grade, and division one competition (as well as development competitions).

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union chief executive Mike Rogers said there had been plenty of consultation between the union and sub-unions since 2014, and this was what they decided upon.

"I don't think there is a perfect formula, but this is the one they felt was the best," he said.

Talks are still being had to determine whether the Baywide premier competition will feature semifinals or go to a straight final on August 6.

Rogers said the window at that time of year was very tight, with the Mitre 10 Cup kicking off soon after.

"You want all the contracted Steamers players to be available to play in the club competition but we also need to make sure our Steamers have enough time to prepare for the Mitre 10 Cup," he said.

"So that is now being reviewed."

- Round one format:

Premier grade: Arataki, Mount Maunganui, Paroa, Whakatane Marist, Greerton Marist, Te Puna, Whakarewarewa, Rotoiti, Opotiki, Tauranga Sports, Rangataua, Te Puke Sports.

Division One: Te Teko, Marist St Michael's, Kahukura, Galatea, Ruatoki, Ngongotaha, Katikati, Rangiuru, Poroporo, Waikite, Judea, Papamoa.