NZR+, New Zealand Rugby’s free content platform, has released a compelling new documentary titled The Steam Team: One More, offering fans an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at the Bay of Plenty Steamers’ remarkable run to the 2024 Bunnings NPC Grand Final.

Filmed during the final, high-stakes week of the season, the documentary delivers raw, all-access insight into the team’s emotional and physical journey.

From the locker room to the training field, The Steam Team: One More captures the sacrifices, spirit, and deep sense of brotherhood that define the Steamers under head coach Richard Watt.

The story follows the team's quest to break a nearly 50-year title drought as they prepare to face Wellington in the Grand Final—a pursuit rooted in belief, legacy, and provincial pride.

“The motivation to make the documentary came from a sense of timing – 20 years since the 2004 team won the Ranfurly Shield,” Bay of Plenty Steamers Head Coach Richard Watt said.

“That team was an important part of our year, with Vern Cotter and Joe Schmidt involved in our 2024 season launch. It felt fitting, especially as we were on the edge of creating history again for the province.”

Initially hesitant about the idea of filming during finals week, Watt was eventually persuaded.

“I initially said no. But then Keepa [who filmed the documentary for NZR+] said, ‘Don’t get in the way of yourself’,” Watt said.

“Since he was an ex-player himself, he felt like the right person to let inside our environment without causing any disruption during finals week. He was very professional…we hardly knew he was there. Looking back, if we had got the result we wanted [which we weren’t far off], it would have been documented forever. I’m proud of the boys.”

Steamers captain Kurt Eklund echoed that sentiment, highlighting the opportunity to show fans what really happens behind the scenes.

Bay of Plenty Steamers captain Kurt Eklund said it was great to give people a real look at what happens beyond game day.

“There’s so much more to rugby than the 80 minutes on TV,” Eklund said. “Our environment is unique, with a team deeply passionate about our province.

“Sharing that with our loyal fans is something we’re really excited about.”

The Bay of Plenty Steamers are currently in fifth place on the 2025 NPC table with 26 points. During the 2025 round robin they have won against Tasman (37-7), Counties Manukau (39-22), North Harbour (19-7), Taranaki (43-17), Manawatu (55-19) and lost to  Canterbury (7-21), Southland (25-30), and Hawke’s Bay (21-24)

Today Sunday, September 28, they are set to play Waikato at Tauranga Domain with kick-off at 2.05pm.

On October 4, the Steamers will play Wellington.

Watch now on NZR+ and YouTube here.