OUR PEOPLE. OUR HISTORY.

SERVE THE GAME. SERVE THE COMMUNITY.
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The Bay of Plenty Rugby Referees Club has a rich history, made up of our community's volunteers who have contributed in many different ways. Everyone has had their own motivation and reasons for being a part of our Referees Club, but one thing ties us all together - the love of rugby.

We will be looking to develop this section with more background and stories about our Club Members and our Club's history. If you have something you'd like to contribute, it would be very welcomed. Please contact email [email protected] to let us know!

Honours Board

A current project is underway to compile an "digital Honours Board" for our Club. If you would like to be involved in helping with this project, contact [email protected]

Check back here over time as the Honours Board makes progress.

Historical Honours Boards​​​​​​​

Bay of Plenty Rugby Referees Association

Rotorua Referees Association

Whakatāne Rugby Referees Association

Coming Soon...

Ōpōtiki​​​​​​​ Rugby Referees Association

Coming Soon...

Tauranga Rugby Referees Association

The location of this honours board is currently unknown. If you know where it is, or have an image of the board, please contact [email protected] 

Historical BOPRRA Heraldry
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View the original images below of the Bay of Plenty Rugby Referees Association Heraldry, along with the modernised and restored versions. It features the Cockatrice, which more can be read about here. 

BOPRU Kowhaiwhai

You may have noticed some items of uniform and training gear of some Bay of Plenty Rugby teams, and our referees, plus the Bay of Plenty Rugby utes with kowhaiwhai (Māori motif) designs proudly emblazened upon them.

The kowhaiwhai represents steam erupting from a geyser, or many of the volcanoes and vents of the Te Waiariki (BOP) region. Significant patterns include the Mango Pare (Hammer Head Shark), which is the Kaitiaki (guardian) animal of the district. Chosen because it represented the fighting spirit of our warriors which was likened to the Mango Pare.

(Pakete pattern): Direction, guidance, and forward movement

(Wiho Taniwha): Dragon's teeth meaning strength, courage, grit and determination

(Hae Hae): Good vibes, for harmony, positivity and cohesion

(Flax Weave): Unity, togetherness and family

The negative spaces between the lines represent significant people of the franchise, e.g. foundation members, players and members (past and present), and also ancestors, families and supporters.