The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union has provided the most representatives who have played for New Zealand Māori, that number now standing at over one hundred. Players have included Ray Keepa, Bill Potae, Eddie Stokes, Hika Reid, Frank Shelford and Steve McDowell. One such player, Bill Gray, from Tapuika and Te Arawa, was a good tennis player before turning his attention to playing at second five eight. He was an integral part of the All Blacks first test series win against the Springboks in 1956, and after suffering a near play-ending injury, returned to almost defeat the Lions of 1959 when playing for a combined provincial side.