Crowds of people are gathering at Papamoa College to watch the school's First XV kick off its first home game against Murupara.

The school's sole rugby side is making history running out against Murupara in Division 3 of the Bay of Plenty Secondary Schools competition – ending a three-week wait for home advantage since the competition began.

Dressed in blue uniforms, Papamoa College First XVtake on Murupara in their first home game.

The ambitious move has seen the school pool all its resources into the premier team, opting to replace its Under 15 team as its sole side while continuing to build the school roll since opening in 2011.

And after two successive defeats on the road – a 31-0 opening loss to Tarawera and a 49-13 – Papamoa College First XV coach Dean Griffin told SunLive the side remains confident it's not far off securing their first win, especially in Papamoa.

'The morale in the team is awesome. They know they are going to struggle this year, but we have set goals we want to do and do the best we can to get out of this division,” says Dean.

'People are actually talking about it, so I'm hoping it will be a big home crowd.”

Dean believes his young charges can turn around the tough start to the season – and he's buoyed by the fact this Saturday's opponents, Murupara, also remain winless.

With players aged between 16 and 13, Dean admits the team is certainly one of the smaller sides around, playing against them in the intensity and physicality stakes, but already positive signs are showing.

'They have given it their best and they have improved even though we have gone down. Halfway through the season they will be able to knock some teams over quite good.”

Papamoa College principal Steve Lindsey is pleased with the commitment the boys have shown so far in what is a big step is up from last year.

'Having really only had one season to play together, and now being in the third division of the First XV competition, will be challenging and a huge growth experience,” says Steve.

The side is pooled with Tarawera, Edgecumbe, Tauranga Boys' College 3rd XV, Murupara and Te Wharekura o Mauao(Bethlehem) in Division 3 of the Baywide competition. All sides face each other twice during the season.