A special project, that has involved thousands of hours of research, has come to fruition with the release of the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union Centennial Jersey.

During the 2011 season, the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union will celebrate 100 years since formation of the Union in 1911. There will be number of events and functions during the season, which will culminate with the Official Centenary Celebrations to be held in Rotorua 12th – 14th August 2011.

The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union has been the controlling force of Rugby in schools, communities and preparing teams to represent the region from Te Whanau Apanui, Opotiki, Whakatane, Rangitaiki, Galatea, Rotorua, Te Puke and Tauranga since 1911.

BOPRU Historian Brent Drabble has undertaken a massive task in the last decade, to trace and record all the players who have pulled on the Bay of Plenty jersey in first class fixtures, over the last one hundred years.

The result of Brent Drabble’s endeavors has been the unique BOPRU Centennial Jersey, which features the names every one of the 1159 players, to have represented the Bay of Plenty in first class games. The names include every player, whether as a substitute that was on the field of play for a minute, through to Greg Rowlands who wore the Blue and Gold uniform on a record 161 occasions.

The maxim behind the Centennial Jersey is that this provincial team is bigger than the individuals, but is greater than the sum of its parts.

The honour of the first Bay of Plenty player was given to Rongo Nuku with number 1159 being Luke Katene who made his Steamers debut last season. The current BOPRU Chairman Bruce Cameron is number 722. Bruce said “The Bay Union has a strong and proud history and I know as a former player that this recognition will be very well received by the players, their families, clubs and communities that they represented when they pulled on the Bay jersey.

BOPRU CEO Mike Rogers said “We are delighted to be able to recognise our former players in this unique way. The players who have represented the Bay have done so with a tremendous amount of pride and we are proud to be able to highlight them as part of this year’s jersey in our centenary year.

During the coming months of the season, there will be a number of Centennial activities for former players, coaches, referees, and administrators and fans. All the updated information on the Centennial Celebrations can be accessed on line www.boprugby.co.nz

It is believed that it is the first time that a Provincial Rugby Union in New Zealand has released a jersey that celebrates the names of all who have gone before. The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union is currently taking orders for the unique piece of BOPRU memorabilia for delivery at the end of April 2011.