Papamoa College boldly joins the school of hard knocks this weekend, entering its inaugural First XV into the Bay of Plenty Secondary Schools' competition.

In an ambitious move the school is pooling all its resources into the premier team, opting to replace its Under 15 team as the sole side, while it continues to build the school roll after opening in 2011.

Papamoa College First XV captain James Adam and vice captain Logan Joule, flanked by assistant coach Dave Syme (left) and head coach Dean Griffin (right).

Today they make history running out against Tarawera in Division 3 of the Baywide competition, with matches against Edgecumbe, Tauranga Boys' College Third XV, Murupara and Te Wharekura o Mauao(Bethlehem) to follow.

Starting on the bottom rung of the secondary school ladder the side is not deterred, setting lofty heights of promotion despite fielding what is probably the youngest side in the competition.

'Our age groups start from 16 to 13 years old, but the boys are very, very keen,” says Papamoa College First XV coach Dean Griffin.

'They have been training immensely hard and have put the hard yards in. The skill levels have a bit to go, but it's baby steps to start with; and all we want to do is get the first game out of the way.”

Dean accepts part of starting at the bottom means a number of lengthy bus trips, but he's confident they can handle the pressure.

He is also pleased with the level of passion shown during their pre-season hit out against Otumoetai College First XV, going down by two tries, despite the enormous step up in intensity and physicality.

'The goal is to get out of third division and that doesn't mean we have to win every game; we just need to keep accumulating points.

'That's the basic goal; and also for everyone to have a good time and be safe.”

The school is aiming to celebrate its first home game against Murupara on May 24 with a big crowd, marking the historic occasion.