Twenty-two years after their only Ranfurly Shield reign ended at the hands of Canterbury, Bay of Plenty have a chance to write a new chapter in provincial rugby.
The Bay of Plenty Steamers will chase their first shield victory since 2004 when they challenge Canterbury in Christchurch this Saturday.
“It’s a one-off, very rare event, so we’ve just got to embrace it, and lap up the history of it all,” Steamers head coach Richard Watt told the Bay of Plenty Times.
Canterbury claimed the Ranfurly Shield with a 19-15 win over Otago in Dunedin on Sunday.
Less than a week later, they face an immediate challenge as Bay of Plenty fights for a shot at rugby’s most coveted provincial trophy.
Watt has likened this weekend’s Ranfurly Shield challenge to a heavyweight title fight.
The Steamers’ 2004 shield reign was revisited in the 2024 fan-made documentary Up for the Challenge – The Reunion, marking 20 years since the triumph.
“It’s the ultimate prize, right? I talk about the heavyweight title, it’s the most elite title in world sport, so for a rugby player; it’s also a heavyweight title.”
He said the team was preparing to “throw some punches” as they chase provincial rugby’s ultimate prize.
Bay of Plenty Steamers captain Wayne Ormond lifts the Ranfurly Shield high at Eden Park in 2004. Photo / File
“It’s about getting the guys physically and mentally as fresh as we can for Saturday to give them every chance.”
Having coached in the National Provincial Championship (NPC) for 13 years, Watt said this match would be his third shield challenge as a coach.
“They’re very far and few between, some players will go through a whole career and not get a shield challenge, so for a player it’s a pretty unique experience.”
He said reigning NPC champions Canterbury were a “rock-solid” defensive side that made their opponents work hard for every point.
“They’re disciplined, and they back themselves to put pressure on you with the defence and limit scoring opportunities.
“Their defence is hard to crack down, so we’ve got to work out ways how we’re going to do that.”
Bay of Plenty Steamers head coach Richard Watt. Photo / Bay of Plenty Rugby
Despite the prospect of a home shield game in Rotorua the following weekend if Bay of Plenty win, Watt said the team was focused on the game in front of them.
“That’s our job and the shield is a product of doing our homework and fronting with the right game plan and winning the game of rugby, that’s the priority.”
Naitoa Ah Kuoi will captain the Steamers side on Saturday in their “historic” Ranfurly Shield challenge.
The match will be the first shield challenge at Christchurch’s newest One New Zealand Stadium.
Ah Kuoi said the shield’s history and significance were not lost on the squad as they prepared for one of the biggest games in recent Steamers history.
“The Ranfurly is definitely something that’s helping keep the game alive and has been around for a very long time.”
He said it would be “out the gate” to bring the shield back to the Bay of Plenty after 22 years.
“To be up against the reigning champs [Canterbury] and having the opportunity to win it is special and it’s no easy feat but everyone here is ready for the challenge.”
Naitoa Ah Kuoi will captain the Bay of Plenty Steamers side in a historic Ranfurly Shield challenge. Photo / Bay of Plenty Rugby
Ah Kuoi said the group was working on the “fine balance” between embracing the significance of a shield challenge but also treating it like any other match.
“We’ve just made the focus on trying to be 1% better every day and accumulate good moments leading up to the weekend.
“So come Saturday, we’re firing on all cylinders”.
Bay of Plenty Ranfurly Shield Challenge Team List
- Benet Kumeroa
- Taine Kolose
- Tevita Mafileo
- Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi (C)
- Jai Knight
- Joe Johnston
- Veveni Lasaqa
- Nikora Broughton
- Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi
- Riley Hohepa
- Cole Forbes
- Reon Paul
- Tamiro Armstrong
- Regan Ware
- Jason Robertson
Impact Players
- Sione Tupou
- Harold Rounds
- Solomone Tukuafu
- Reuben Palmer
- Kalin Felise
- Charlie Sinton
- Lucas Cashmore
- Roderick Solo (debut)
When: Saturday, August 15, 2.05pm
Where: One NZ Stadium, Christchurch
Kaitlyn Morrell is a journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post. She has lived in the region for several years and studied journalism at Massey University.
2 comments
We wuz robbed!
Posted on 16-08-2026 00:02 | By morepork
Well, perhaps not really... Canterbury were probably just a shade better, but it was a really great game.
Some beautiful Rugby from both sides and the Steamers bringing it back to equality after being seriously down for most of the half was a delight to watch.
Rugby is still very much alive and well in NZ.
PK...never forgotten
Posted on 17-08-2026 12:42 | By shihtappens
what about Peter Kennedys disallowed winning try in 1984.....oh for a video ref ......
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