Six-time champions Mount Maunganui delivered a resounding statement at the opening of the 2026 BOPRU Baywide Premier season.

The Tauranga-based team demolished defending champions Whakarewarewa 68–0 in an early afternoon encounter in Rotorua.

After missing last season’s playoffs, the Mount returned with renewed intent, overwhelming the titleholders with pace, precision and relentless attacking pressure.

Ten tries were awarded to the visitors, including a penalty try, as they dominated proceedings from the opening whistle.

Mitchell Dance and Connor Redmond both crossed for doubles, while Taine Kolose, Tyler Phillips, Brayden Stowers, Monty Parkinson and Jack Gallon also reached the try line.

Parkinson enjoyed an outstanding afternoon with the boot, converting eight of nine attempts to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Last season’s Baywide runners-up Te Puke Sports also began their 2026 campaign on a positive note, claiming a 34–19 victory over Greerton Marist in a match transferred to Murray Salt Stadium.

Te Puke ran in five tries to secure the points and underline their credentials as early contenders.

There was considerable interest at Tauranga Domain, where Ōpōtiki made their long-awaited return to Baywide Premier rugby against Tauranga Sports.

While the visitors showed encouraging signs and crossed for three tries, the home side proved too strong, eventually prevailing 38–17.

Tauranga Sports also dominated the early Development fixture at the Domain, running in more than 100 points in a comprehensive 103–0 victory over Ōpōtiki, highlighting their depth across the grades.

Other Development results saw Greerton Marist edge Te Puke Sports 31–26 in a tightly contested encounter, while Mount Maunganui backed up their Premier performance with a convincing 40–12 win over Whakarewarewa.

In the Colts and Under-85kg competition, Te Puke Sports opened their season by narrowly defeating Greerton Marist 27–24, while Tauranga Sports were emphatic in their 48–8 win over Taupō.

The Western Bay of Plenty Championship also got underway, with Rangataua claiming early season bragging rights in the race for the Combined Cup, beating Arataki 29–10. Rangiuru produced the weekend’s biggest margin, crushing Judea 82–7 at Centennial Park. No result was posted for the Katikati versus Pāpāmoa fixture.

With opening-day performances already setting the tone, the 2026 season has begun with plenty of talking points across all grades.

Results (Provisional)

BOPRU Premier

• Mount Maunganui 68 Whakarewarewa 0
• Tauranga Sports 38 Ōpōtiki 17
• Te Puke Sports 34 Greerton Marist 19

BOPRU Development

• Tauranga Sports 103 Ōpōtiki 0
• Greerton Marist 31 Te Puke Sports 26
• Mount Maunganui 40 Whakarewarewa 12

BOPRU Colts / U85kg

• Te Puke Sports 27 Greerton Marist 24
• Tauranga Sports 48 Taupō 8

WBOPRS Championship

• Rangiuru 82 Judea 7
• Rangataua 29 Arataki 10
• Katikati v Pāpāmoa — no result posted

Jordan Cup (WBOPRS Challenge Trophy)

• 2026 Holder: Tauranga Sports

-Content supplied by Tauranga sports writer Barry Leabourn