The willingness and cooperation between the ITM Cup Rugby Unions in the country has seen Taranaki step in at short notice to replace North Harbour as the BOP Steamers XV opposition at Moore Park in Katikati on Friday afternoon.

'Unfortunately North Harbour were not able to fulfil this fixture, and at late notice Taranaki has kindly stepped in to replace the harbour side,” says Bay of Plenty Rugby Union CEO Mike Rogers.

While the Steamers XV was to meet Taranaki next week, the Taranaki side has made big sacrifices in bringing the game forward at short notice.

'The gesture by Taranaki at extremely short notice is great news for the Katikati Rugby Club and the Katikati community, as they have already done a significant amount of work in organising what is one of the biggest sporting events ever to be staged in Katikati,” says Mike.

The Bay union and the Katikati Rugby Club are expecting a big crowd to be on hand when ‘Our Team' has its first hitout in preparation for the rigors of the 2011 ITM Cup.

The Katikati Rugby Club has embraced the opportunity to host a Steamers XV game in the local community and a myriad of club volunteers will be on hand on Friday to ensure both teams remember their game in the Bay of Plenty country township.

Bay of Plenty Steamers XV Games

24 (Friday) June 2011 v Taranaki @ Moore Park, Katikati – kickoff 2.30pm.

Bay of Plenty Steamers Pre-Season Games

5 (Tuesday) July 2011 v Hawkes Bay @ McLean Park, Napier – kickoff 2pm.

8 (Friday) July 2011 v Manwatu @ IMG Stadium, Palmerston North kickoff 2pm.