BOP 2022
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Well, in the absence of anyone else I thought I would start a BOP tread for all its worth. I'd be interested to know what everyone thinks about the coming season and if anyone knows of any signings etc. But firstly...
Coach :- It was no surprise to see that Daryl Gibson has gone given last years underwhelming season. The only real question is if he was "pushed" or whether he "walked" or whether the official line is correct. Delany's promotion could be seen as a surprise when you consider that he has never been a head coach of any team (correct me if I'm wrong there ) and, as far as I'm aware, the job was never advertised. He has however been in the system for a long time so I'm hoping that the transition isn't too brutal. I wonder if the likes of Glen Jackson or Marty Burke have been earmarked for future rolls and whether they have even been approached ?
Game schedule :- I'm guessing you've all seen the schedule which has some big changes...No Rotorua games and no night games. I can't say I'll miss freezing nights in Rotorua and Tauranga is a far more welcoming venue. Three games in eight days against Hawkes Bay, Northland and Waikato will be brutal (especially at the end of the season ). As usual no direct Shield challengers but I think there is a small chance that if NH beats HB and defend it against Counties, we get the next challenge. There's probably other permutations but I haven't looked closely.
Players :- There has been an exodus of several senior players from the roster (Black, Douglas, Harris, Scott-Young, Van Den Hoven, Campbell, Wainui are a few that I can recall) so I'm expecting many new signings. I have no idea of any new names playing locally or even who is injured or who is playing Super Rugby. I'm sure someone here will know.
Anyway, its probably far to early to be thinking about the NPC (I'm more looking forward to The Blackcaps in England right now) ....and I really should get back to work.
Comments ?
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@Snollygoster I don't have many thoughts right now - have just scanned the fixture list for the first time. Surprised it is all Tauranga, I don't mind a trip to Rotorua (except for those cold nights)
Worth noting that we are in a conference with
Waikato, Hawke's Bay, Wellington, Otago, Southland, Counties
and we need to finish top 4 to make a quarter-final.
We get cross over games with Taranaki, Auckland, Harbour, Northland and so avoid Tasman, Canterbury & Manawatu.
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@Snollygoster Any word on Eklund staying with BOP?
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@Tim I have no idea. Sorry.
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Not sure whether you guys have seen this.
Delays push Rotorua International Stadium out of NPC Home game window
With delays experienced due to COVID, the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union is sadly unable to host Steamers or Volcanix matches at Rotorua International Stadium in 2022.
Steve Watane, spokesperson for the Rotorua Lakes Council, says, "We have experienced a series of delays with contractors undertaking the much needed resurfacing project of the no.1 playing field.”
"Initially, we hoped to have the new field operational by September. Unfortunately, further delays have meant we cannot use the field until the 1st of November."
The delay has seen not only the re-location of Bunnings NPC matches, but also rugby league, football, and other events. -
@Tim all blacks
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@muddyriver Speculation or inside word?
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@KiwiPie I think you'll find Connor McLoud ex Hawkes Bay halfback is in Steamers territory for the season. Can't blame him really, he'd be behind Weber, Fakatava, and Enari.
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Pretty sure ive heard jacob norris is in the bay
See a few players playing hamilton university
Josh bartlett. Nikora broughton and veveni lasaqa but should be back
3 bop young boys playing for greerton getting good game time
Chase might be playing for another bay. But hope things change -
@Tim pure speculation
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@Cpt-Kumera What's the whisper with Chase.
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Our fijian winger onisi ratave who been playing with drua signed 2 year contract with benetton
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You might finally see Ah Kuoi and Selby-Rickit playing.
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@Cpt-Kumera bugger. He had spiders on him every game last season
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@Cpt-Kumera said in BOP 2022:
Our fijian winger onisi ratave who been playing with drua signed 2 year contract with benetton
Had a feeling he would be signed elsewhere. Shame
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@KiwiPie Has Chase signed with someone else?
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Just checked the team lists and there is a "Jacob Norris " playing for Tauranga Sports. Could be a handy acquisition if its the same one...
Jacob Norris
Originally from the Waikato, Jacob went down to the Crusader Academy in Nelson in 2018.
Also a "Connor McLeod" is playing for Judea But are unsure if its the one in question.
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Be good to see ngatoa play for the bay this year hoped hopefully
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Good to see sam and aidan in all blacks
Think im hearing mitch karpick might be back for the bop
Hopefully hes been awesome for us -
@Cpt-Kumera Is it true Chase Tiatia has signed with Hawkes Bay?
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@Billsy111 hoping he stays with bop. But hb was in the mix
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@Cpt-Kumera good to see leroy carter make wc 7s bit of a bugger probs wont play npc though
