Excitement is building for the Bay of Plenty Steamers' first Mitre 10 Cup game this Saturday when they return to take on Taranaki at Tauranga Domain.

It was fitting to see at the recent Mitre 10 Cup official launch, the unveiling of the Rugby Cup, which Bay of Plenty Rugby was the first team to lift in 1976.

The Steamers are preparing to take on Taranaki at Tauranga Domain this weekend.

Led by courageous captain and flanker Tuck Waaka, Bay of Plenty were renowned for their enterprising rolling maul and speedy outside backs, says a statement from the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union.

'This year our Bay of Plenty Steamers team will make their bid to create more history and memories as they represent our proud region against the best from the rest of the country.

'The Mitre 10 Cup is the perfect opportunity to bring the family along and support our boys in Blue and Gold. There will be a family zone for kids at every home game.”

The family zone will have some free giveaways, skills and drills and pre-game autographs. Plus for this weekend's game against Taranaki, all kids will eat for free, thanks to the support of New World Mount Maunganui and the Little Big Markets.

'Couple this with affordable ticketing and exciting rugby action it's the perfect afternoon out for all.”

The Steamers' second home game at Tauranga Domain is on Father's Day, Sunday, September 4, when the local lads take on Otago.

'We have two father and son combinations in this year's team. Both Steve Axtens and Don Thwaites have played for the Steamers, now their sons Matty Axtens and Jeff Thwaites are following in their footsteps.

Not only will the Steamers be out on the park but the Bay of Plenty Women's Volcanix side will be playing in the curtain raiser against Counties Manukau women in their Farah Palmer Cup match kicking off at 12.05pm.

The Rotorua home games kick off with Northland on Friday, September 9, at 5.45pm.

The BOP rugby union believes it's the perfect occasion to thank the clubs for their support and the local Junior Club Rugby teams.

'We will also be celebrating our inaugural Bay of Plenty 1976 team who will get a chance to hold the Rugby Cup once again. ' In week six, the Bay of Plenty Steamers with battle it out against Auckland for the John Drake Boot.

The Bay of Plenty Steamers final round robin home game of the season on Sunday, October 9, will be the perfect opportunity to bring the family along and support the team.

All kids attending will get to eat for free thanks to the support from Fruit Monster and Rotorua Events and Venues.