Bay of Plenty Rugby Union is the envy of many. Les McLean was the first of the 20 players who have so far been selected for the All Blacks from Bay of Plenty. He played as a forward in the second and third tests against the 1921 Springboks – and at full-back against New South Wales in 1923. Bay of Plenty’s most capped All Black is Hika Reid. Hailing from Ngongotaha near Rotorua, Reid’s grandfather, J. Hikatarewa, played for New Zealand Maori in 1913. Reid was selected for the All Blacks in 1980 when test incumbent Andy Dalton was unavailable for what turned out to
Bay of Plenty Steamers the 2001 NPC division 1 season with an upset win over the defending champions Wellington 14–11 in the Capital. Bay of Plenty would only win one more came that season defending Counties Manukau in Tauranga. They would play second division winners Hawkes Bay in a promotion/relegation match winning 32–12 in Rotorua. The 2002 season was a roller coaster ride for the Steamers, as they would only win one match beating Southland 24–11 in Tauranga. Again Bay of Plenty would play Hawke's Bay in a promotion/relegation match at the Rotorua International Stadium. Bay of Plenty won 37–21 to stay in the