Rugby: Imports aware of responsibilities

Shahn Eru, left, and Terrence Hepetema can't wait to get into action with the Bay of Plenty Steamers. Photo / John Borren

Two proud Wellingtonians will be among the imported players named in the Bay of Plenty Steamers squad this Sunday.

Shahn Eru, 25, and Terrence Hepetema, 23, are settling into the Western Bay after playing stints overseas.

Hepetema, 23, is a powerfully built midfielder who has played for the NSW Waratahs and, more recently, Leicester Tigers, where his game time was limited due to two knee injuries.

He is eligible to play for England, New Zealand and Australia. He joined the Australian National Academy straight from school and made his name with the powerful Randwick club in Sydney.

Hepetema went through Man College with his best mate All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara, who he says played a part in him signing with Bay of Plenty.

"He is a big influence and I spoke to him from the UK about coming to the Bay. He said it is a nice place to live and they play a nice style of footy," Hepetema said.

"I have grown up wanting to play ITM Cup so being given this opportunity to sign with the Bay is the biggest thing in my career. Whatever happens after that is a bonus for me."

Hepetema is aware being an import carries extra responsibility.

"I believe I have to work that much harder to give back to the supporters," he said. "We have come from outside the region and have gone ahead of some of the local boys so we have to prove our worth. It is constantly improving yourself every training, every game."

Eru, 25, is a former NZ Under-20 rep and no-nonsense blindside flanker who is also comfortable at lock, in a similar vein to Johan Bardoul.

He spent last year playing in Italy for the Petrarca Padrova club which he found a challenge on and off the field, with the style of play centring mostly on the set piece and long-range goal kickers.

Eru had the option of playing another year in Italy but when the opportunity came to join the Steamers he jumped at it.

"I've always wanted to have a crack at the ITM Cup. It has been a goal for a few years now," he said

Eru is from Wainuiomata and has enjoyed the different culture and feel of the Te Puna club, where he played the last few rounds of the Baywide competition alongside Hepetema.

"It is different for me from where I am from in Wainui to see a haka after a game, speaking Maori at the after-match, handing out half mutton for player of the day."

-Eru and Hepetema are in action for Te Puna away to Paroa tomorrow in the final round-robin game of the Bayfair Baywide Premier competition.