It’s always exciting when club rugby season rolls around and this year is no different in the Eastern Bay.

Club rugby brings tribalism, rivalries, friendships and memories, all things that are a big part of many sports clubs.

There are also hundreds of hearty Eastern Bay fans around the sidelines each weekend and you will struggle to find a place in New Zealand where you continually get clubs so well supported.

This season the draw for the senior men is slightly different to the past few years as Taneātua have made the step up.

They were also set to be joined by Kawerau Sports in the newly revamped eight team competition, but the latter have pulled out meaning whoever is set to face them on the draw is now forced to have the bye.

It’s a shame Kawerau have not been able to fulfil the spot or even remain in the lower grade because they had such a positive return last year.
Taneātua, who are being coached by Geoff Olsen, are excited at the challenge ahead.

“We know it won’t be easy and if we can make it to the semifinals that will be a pretty good season for us. We want to be competitive,” Olsen said.

He said it was a player-driven decision to step up a grade, and one he backed.
They also have a new captain this year with Caleb Olsen voted in. With players such as Charles Ratu and other experienced figures supporting him, he won’t have any issue.

“The players voted anonymously and Caleb was chosen, and I think that is quite a good choice because he has played in this grade and knows what it is like,” Olsen said.

He said they had lost a couple of backs from last year and picked up a couple of new players to offset the losses, but most of the team remained.

They have a tough draw to start which sees them head to Ōpōtiki in week one, but Olsen said the guys were keen to get stuck in and give it a good crack.

Te Teko has a new coaching team of Sasu Wihapi, Asa Wimutu and Carlos Savage, all of whom provide plenty of experience and will no doubt all play at some stage.

Ōpōtiki are again being coached by Tuterangi Te Moana, who is assisted by David Te Moana and David Elmiger.
A key change this year is the cultural shift Ōpōtiki are trying to implement.

Expect the likes of Kalin Elmiger, Braeden Elmiger, David Whyte, Luke Morris, Mana Howe and others to lead from the front.

Whakatāne Marist also have a change in coach with Dallas Cole taking over from Alamoti Te Pou and Randall Ruki joining as assistant.

They nabbed a couple of handy recruits in outside backs Manaia Herbert and Apenisa Colati, Richie Tuavanuavou, who plays in the loose forwards, while some key personnel are back from last year including prop Rhys Keighley, first five Ryshawn Vercoe, halfback Cole Scott and prop Sitiveni Uitalia. Standout Lemeki Cagialau is also back for another campaign.

Paroa have Brett Wharewera back at the helm for another season and after narrowly missing out on the Rosebowl, they are hungry for success.

A couple of handy pickups include Harley Turner as a lock and flanker, while Muri Stewart at halfback is another handy acquisition.

With Rihari Biddle and Ngatiki Wera-Cook set to play more of an impact this season, Paroa will have a dangerous backline with the likes of Ethan Wharewera, Maxwell Wharewera and Mason Raynes.

There will still be experience with the likes of Sam Hemopo and Kurt Baker running round again.

Poroporo have Rick Simpson as coach and will be hoping they can improve on last year and push towards the playoffs, something they haven’t done for a few seasons.
This year, Aymon Te Hauwaho is taking over as captain and is equally adept at halfback or fullback so it will be interesting to see where he lines up.

Hunter Harris is an exciting pick up and captained Poroporo to victory in their pre-season clash against Papamoa.

Te Hauwaho said they had an exciting new look about them this year.

“It’s an honour and privilege to be the skipper this year. Our team is looking good, we've got a new system, new squad and a new coach and there is a whole new feeling this year. We are feeling positive about our season.”

Players to watch include Te Hauwaho, winger Jordan Moke, Tyron Rapana, Harris and experienced duo Dylan Maui and Jackie Ryan.

Poroporo start their campaign against Te Teko at Dunderdale Park, a team they’ve had success against in the past.

Rūātoki are back under the tutelage of Mark Pouwhare and will look to the likes of Lacey Tuhaka, Neelan Wera-Cook, Reuben Pouwhare, while two excitement machines include Whare Williams and Kazdy Wera-Cook.

Rūātoki host what will be a challenging Paroa outfit, first up.

In the senior A grade, Matatā have recruited a new coach in George Playle but he’s had help from his older brother and club president Taichi Playle and the experienced Clayton Thompson.

Playle said they had good numbers and there were some exciting young players to look out for. Pre-season numbers at games and trainings had been positive.

First up, they face Edgecumbe, who are struggling for numbers, but will continue to battle on hoping some players join once the season gets underway.

Edgecumbe coach Craig Sinkinson said it was a team of local players, and it had been a struggle, but they’d continue to fight every week.

Ōpōtiki B have good numbers and are being coached by Che Todd. They’ve been training alongside the seniors as the club looks to create an altogether type culture.
They welcome neighbours Waimana who are back in action following a season away and will likely be dangerous.

Te Teko B have picked up some players from Kawerau Sports and will be looking to take out their division this year.

Poroporo B and Rūātoki B will aim at being competitive while trying to cause a couple of upsets.
Te Teko B host Poroporo B, while Rūātoki B hosts Paroa B.