Bay of Plenty Volcanix are bringing one of their games to the Eastern Bay, banking on the growing popularity of women’s rugby in the region.

For the smallest catchment area, the Eastern Bay punches well above its weight in women's rugby, supplying four club teams to the annual Baywide competition teams and actively trying to create more.
This weekend, the up and coming female rugby players will have the chance to experience a higher level of rugby as the Volcanix, who sit sixth in the FPC Women's Premiership, welcome the high flying Waikato side to Whakatāne’s Rugby Park.
It's a game the Volcanix would love to win, but it's unlikely as Waikato are top of the standings and have played some quality rugby, while BOP have been struggling, highlighted by conceding 100 points against Auckland.
The contest will feature a few Eastern Bay players with Ōpōtiki’s Luka Connor set to pack down at hooker and Rūātoki's Te UrupounamuMcGarvey to line up at prop.
Other Eastern Bay players with a chance to make the 23 include Poroporo duo Fern Nixon and Cheyne Copeland, while former Poroporo stars Jordyn Tihore and Kokako Raki are also likely to be part of the 23.
It would be awesome to see Hope Parata-Kingi, Rohakino Niupalau and Tawharautia McGarvey also play with their strong links to the Eastern Bay.
In the Waikato lineup, there's likely to be a couple of Eastern Bay players in centre Hinemaringi Scott, who could well be marking Raki and utility forward Finau Mafi, whose family hail from `Opōtiki.
Poroporo women's coach Geri Paul said it was great seeing the Volcanix back in town.
"I'm excited to feel the vibe again at a women's rugby game. The Volcanix will do it tough, but we'll do it tough with them regardless. I think having the game here in the region is a good thing and with the Bay of Plenty under 18s playing a curtain raiser there'll be plenty to watch."

Eastern Bay rugby fans need to turn out in numbers so the Volcanix continue wanting to return.

The past couple of years, the weather has been average on game day, so they'll be hoping for some sunny conditions that allow both sides to spread the ball.
Kick off for Saturday's contest is at 2.05pm.

KEY FIGURE: Luka Connor will be one to watch for the Bay of Plenty Volcanix against Waikato.