Toi Ohomai Baywide Premier Women's Club Rugby is back for 2022 with the promise of another blockbuster season.

The women's game has continued to grow in the Bay of Plenty, with two new clubs entering the competition.

For the first time since 1991, Poroporo will once again house a women's side in a magic return to Premier Women's Club Rugby.

Head coach Geri Paul was remarkably a player/coach for that '91 side. Now 31 years later, she finds herself coaching once again.

"I never thought that after all these years I'd be back coaching a Poroporo women's side in 2022.”

"There's an exciting buzz in the air. Our Wahine can wear the Poroporo jersey again. It's a momentous occasion, and the community is rallying behind us.”

The formation of the Poroporo squad results from increased interest in the game of rugby among our Bay of Plenty women. Many of those lacing up this season will be playing rugby for the first time.

'The interest to play rugby this year among our women has been stellar. We hope to use rugby as a tool to build strong Wahine on and off the field.”

Tongariro United is the second team to join the fray in a first-ever Toi Ohomai Baywide Premier Women's Club Rugby appearance.

Head coach Shannon Willoughby says her side is very thankful to be included in what has historically been a Bay of Plenty club only competition.

"We are looking forward to creating opportunities for our local Taupo/Turangi women to compete in Women's Club Rugby. The hope is to push our women for higher honours representing King Country, Bay of Plenty, Chiefs Manawa or the Black Ferns," she says.

Mount Maunganui will look to defend their title after kicking a last-minute penalty goal vs Rangiuru last year in the 2021 Final held at Blake Park.

The season kicks off this Saturday, as Tongariro United host Rangataua and Poroporo host last year's finalist Rangiuru.

Another notable matchup will be the Eastern Bay clash between Waimana and Opotiki, while Waikite and Mount Maunganui have a BYE for Round 1.