Playing my heart out on the field is the best way I can repay Te Puke Sports for everything they have done for me off the field.  They have a good support system in place, and I have made some great relationships with these people.

They have good structures in place for helping the younger players, because development is an issue in the rugby world today and Te Puke Sports recognizes this.  I would attribute part of where I am today to Te Puke Sports.

When I came to Te Puke Sports, they had a great team with the majority of them playing for the provincial rep side.  I was able to learn from them and develop faster.  It’s funny now for me being one of “those guys”. 

I take particular care of new players with potential that come into the team and make sure I can do for them, what was done for me when I was younger.

I am proud to play for Te Puke Sports and hope that it is recognizable in my game.

Solomon King

I arrived in Te Puke from Taupo as a 17 year old.  I knew nobody apart from family.  I joined Te Puke Sports and went straight into the Premier team.

It was the best move I had ever made, both on and off the field.

My rugby career has blossomed to the extent that as well as Chiefs Development teams and B.O.P. Steamers, I have made the NZ Colts and the NZ 7’s rugby teams.

Off the field I regard the players and supporters of Te Puke Sports as part of my extended family, and I thank them for the great support I have received, and for giving me the opportunities they have.

I would like to thank Te Puke Sports for being a part of my rugby career.

Matt Wallis

I arrived in Te Puke from Northland in 1995 as a mad keen young rugby player.

I joined Te Puke Sports, and apart from my secondary years, I have played all my club rugby for Te Puke Sports ever since.

Over the years I have had lots of good coaching and huge support from the members of Te Puke Sports.

Not only does Te Puke Sports have the best facilities in the Bay of Plenty, but also the best meals at aftermatch functions which is important to a prop.

I have made B.O.P. age group teams, chiefs Development teams, B.O.P. Steamers, but my lifetime highlight  was last year when I was selected for the NZ Colts team.

I owe a huge debt to Te Puke Sports for the support that I have received from the coaching staff, administrators and members that have allowed me to get to where I have so far.

Ben Castle

Te Puke Sports welcomed me into their club in 2003, and it has been a privilege to be involved with such a proud club and a fantastic group of people.

To-date I have played four Super 14 campaigns with the Chiefs and 5 seasons with the BOP Steamers.  I put a lot of my success down to my involvement with Te Puke Sports.

Te Puke Sports plays an exciting style of rugby.  Coaching staff and players alike are keen to play hard and expansive rugby, which has lead to many successful seasons and contributes to the large number of provincial representatives the club has at all levels of rugby.

When I finish with the Chiefs season each year I am always eager to get back to the club to catch up with players and supporters and play again for the team.

The one thing I will always remember in rugby, long after my playing days finish, will be the people I’ve played with and met along the way, and I have a great friendship with Te Puke Sports.  I look forward to a long future with them.