Rugby: Bay of Plenty Steamers fans get ready for big game

Flying Mullet Sports Bar staff member Hope is getting ready for the Mitre 10 Cup Championship final between Bay of Plenty and Wellington tonight. Photo/Andrew Warner

Tauranga bars are getting ready for a big night supporting the Bay of Plenty Steamers rugby team when they take on Wellington in their first national provincial final in 17 years tonight.

Flying Mullet Sports Bar co-owner Riki Walls said they had organised a 12-seater mini-van for the "ultimate road trip to Wellington to bring back the trophy" and those booked on the vehicle would be leaving from the Papamoa bar at 8am today.

Mr Walls said their premises had been rebuilt to transform into a modern-day sports bar and staff were looking forward to screening the Mitre 10 Cup Championship final between the Bay of Plenty Steamers and Wellington tonight.

Bay of Plenty Steamers last reached a national provincial final 17 years ago and were successfully promoted into the Premier Division of the National Provincial Championship after beating Nelson Bays 16-12.

Mr Walls said staff would have a barbecue cooking ahead of the game and a band ready to play straight after.

World's End owner Cameron Keogh said his bar would be screening the big game and would be giving away loads of prizes in the first half.

"I've got a few kids' rugby jerseys to give away."

Mr Keogh said it was important to support the Steamers because "they're our local team".

He was expecting a busy night and would be wearing his Bay rugby jersey while watching the game.

Mitre 10 Cup Championship Final:
Bay of Plenty Steamers versus Wellington Lions, 7.35pm at Wellington's Westpac Stadium
In Tauranga at:
- Flying Mullet Sports Bar, Papamoa
- Mount Mellick, Mount Maunganui
- Cornerstone Pub, Tauranga
- World's End, Fraser Cove

Bay of Plenty Rugby timeline
1911 Bay of Plenty Union formed
1976 Bay of Plenty win inaugural National Provincial Championship
1978 Bay of Plenty win Division Two promotion final
2000 Bay of Plenty defeat Nelson Bays in NPC Second Division final at Tauranga Domain to gain promotion to First Division
2004 Bay of Plenty win Ranfurly Shield after defeating Auckland. They successfully defend it against Waikato, before losing it to Canterbury
22 players have represented the All Blacks, including current team members Sam Cane and Nathan Harris