An initiative by the Bay of Plenty Rugby is being implemented this weekend to help support Eastern Bay Communities affected by the April Floods.

The Mitre 10 Cup kicks off this weekend with the Bay of Plenty Steamers first home game against Hawke's Bay and will see the introduction of The Edge Zone.

The Edge Zone will see 250 tickets donated by the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union for the Bay of Plenty Steamers first three Mitre 10 Cup home fixtures held at Rotorua International Stadium.

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union CEO Mike says the initiative is a perfect opportunity to lift the spirits of Eastern Bay Communities.

'We are in a position to provide the community with a chance to enjoy themselves and reward those who have been affected by the floods including volunteers that have provided their time to assist families and friends get back on their feet.”

Earlier this year, the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union pledged the assistance of our supporters to help with the Edgecumbe appeal.

The Chiefs franchise along with a number of local rugby clubs, schools, kindergartens and families contributed an abundance of food, rugby balls and clothing to the affected Eastern Bay communities.

Mike says players and staff were overwhelmed with the response they received, in the midst of the devastation around the community.

'When our High Performance players delivered the goods we gathered for the wider Whakatāne community, the volunteers and recipients were extremely grateful.

'The group had created a buzz among those affected with Steamers flags being proudly waved and Steamers rugby balls being passed around. We knew the group was proud Bay of Plenty supporters in the midst of so much devastation.”

Bay of Plenty Steamers Fixtures and Ticket Collection Information:

• Friday 25 August Bay of Plenty v Hawke's Bay at Rotorua International Stadium, 5.45pm
• Thursday 31 August Bay of Plenty v Wellington at Rotorua International Stadium, 7.35pm
• Wednesday 20 September Bay of Plenty v Southland at Rotorua International Stadium, 7.35pm

The Whakatāne District Council run Recovery Office is assisting with ticket distribution.

Tickets can be collected from:

• Te Tari Awhina – Edgecumbe Library, Wednesday, August 16– Friday, August 17 from 9am-4pm
• Whakatāne District Council, Commerce Street, Monday August 21 from 11am – 2pm

Tickets are available for those in red or yellow flood-affected properties and people will need to bring proof of address to collect their tickets.