Ōpōtiki may have joined the Baywide competition, but Tihirau Victory Club have taken their place in the Eastern Bay competition.

The club is based at Whangaparaoa and with constant road issues affecting State Highway 35, decided to venture south for play in the 2026 season.

They have been welcomed with open arms by the Eastern Bay teams and will come with a target having won the 2025 Ngāti Porou East Coast club competition.

Club delegate Moana Mato said the opportunity to join the Eastern Bay competition was exciting but the decision to head south wasn’t straightforward.

“This move is both daunting and exciting for our club,” he said.

“Following the recent weather events and ongoing road closures in Te Araroa, the idea of temporarily joining the Eastern Bay competition was raised.

“It was something we were excited to explore at the time, and to now see that opportunity become a reality is a positive step forward for our club, our players, and our wider whānau.

“For us, this decision is about more than just rugby. It is about continuing to create opportunities for our people, building stronger pathways for our players across all grades, and giving our club the chance to grow in a new and challenging environment.”

Mato said the club was in a good position.

“Our teams are shaping up well, with a good mix of experienced players and younger talent coming through.

“There is positive energy around the club, and while we take pride in what we do on the field, we are equally proud of the values that sit behind our club.

“Our manaakitanga and whakawhanaungatanga are a huge part of who we are, and these are qualities that Tihirau Victory Club embodies exceptionally well, we are looking forward to showing respective clubs how we do this in Te Whanau-ā-Apanui fashion.”

He said they were looking forward to their first club and home game on April 11 against Whakatāne Marist.

Before that, they will have a bye.

Mato said it was a good chance to look and face new tactics.

“As we prepare for this new chapter, we are looking forward not only to the competition itself, but also to the opportunity to forge new relationships, friendships, and camaraderie with all respective clubs involved.

“We see this as a chance to build strong connections both on and off the field, while proudly representing our people and where we come from.”

Many of the TVC team know their Eastern Bay opponents, so there shouldn’t be too much nervousness as a club.

“We know the Eastern Bay competition will be competitive and will challenge us to lift our standards, and that is something we welcome.

“We are looking forward to testing ourselves, continuing to grow as a club, and embracing everything that comes with this opportunity.”

Mato said they knew the 2025 campaign was a great way to finish the Ngati Porou competition.

“After our 2025 campaign, where we finished as holders of the Rangiora Keelan Memorial Shield, we know there is a big job ahead of us.

“Coming from a more physical style of rugby, we understand we will need to adapt, become more strategic, and place greater focus on shape and playing a more expansive game.

“The contest always begins up front, and while our men may be smaller in size, they make up for that with heart, passion, determination, and a willingness to work hard for one another.”

Paroa coach Brett Wharewera welcomes the addition of TVC to the competition as does Rūātoki’s Mark Pouwhare and Tāneatua’s Marc Camburn.

Their women’s team has also jumped ship and will be playing in the Baywide Championship division in 2026, alongside fellow Eastern Bay teams, Ōpōtiki and Waimana.