It’s a massive year ahead for the Bay of Plenty Steamers as they prepare to launch their 2026 National Provincial Championship (NPC) campaign with a blend of experienced leaders and emerging talent.
Rugby fans can get an early look at the squad when the Steamers take on Auckland in a preseason clash at Katikati Rugby Club, Moore Park, today July 24. The event runs 11am–3pm, with kick-off at 1pm. Entry is by gold coin donation, the kitchen and bar will be open, and a junior curtain-raiser is planned. With the club carpark closed, spectators are asked to use street parking along Fairview St and Middlebrooke Dr.
The preseason fixture comes just days before the Steamers begin their 2026 NPC campaign away to Waikato at FMG Stadium in Hamilton on July 30.
Bay of Plenty Rugby said this season’s draw was an alternating home-and-away schedule across the competition.
The Steamers have five home games and four away fixtures, with matches shared between Rotorua International Stadium and Tauranga Domain.
“We’ve landed a perfect alternating home and away draw this season, the dream schedule for players and fans,” Bay of Plenty Rugby wrote on its Facebook page. “Even better, we’re heading back to Saturday footy in Rotorua, with two Saturday games locked in for the season. Can’t wait to see the stands packed and the city buzzing again.”
The 2026 squad combines proven performers with some of New Zealand rugby’s brightest rising stars. Veteran hooker Kurt Eklund returns for his eighth and final season in Steamers colours, bringing valuable leadership alongside experienced forwards Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tevita Mafileo, Joe Johnston and Pasilio Tosi.
The backline is packed with attacking firepower, featuring Richard Judd, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Lucas Cashmore, Riley Hohepa, Leroy Carter, Fehi Fineanganofo and Emoni Narawa.
Adding even more excitement is the addition of World Rugby Men’s Sevens Breakthrough Player of the Year Kele Lasaqa, whose speed and attacking instincts have made him one of the game’s most exciting young players.
The 2026 campaign also carries extra significance as the Steamers look to add another chapter to Bay of Plenty rugby history.
The province’s only NPC title came in the competition’s inaugural season in 1976, meaning the team is chasing a second championship 50 years on. After reaching the NPC final in 2024, where they narrowly lost to Wellington after extra time, the Steamers will be determined to build on that momentum and challenge for honours once again.
Following the opening match against Waikato, the Steamers return home to Rotorua to host Northland on August 8 before taking on Canterbury in Christchurch. Supporters will also enjoy home clashes against Taranaki, Manawatū, Hawke’s Bay and North Harbour.