Rugby: Hames joins Steamers

Bay of Plenty Steamers' latest home-grown Super Rugby player has signed a one-year deal for the 2014 provincial competition.

Prop Kane Hames, who won selection to both the New Zealand Maori and Highlanders sides on the back of a series of powerful displays for the disappointing Steamers in 2013, will return to a province he worked for as a rugby development officer for a number of years.

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union CEO Mike Rogers said the short-term deal satisfied both parties.

"It's a bit of both parties waiting to see how things go," Rogers said.

"Kane keeps his options open. By my understanding he is contracted to the Highlanders for another season, so it's for him to see where he is at.

"Also for us we've got some good young props coming through so it's really just a discussion to say let's go one year and then see where we are at."

The deal is contrasted by that signed by Tauranga Sports teammate Carl Axtens, who has committed for two seasons.

"For Carl, he's in the Chiefs' wider training group, so he was really keen to secure his future for another couple of years and that works well for us in terms of keeping young local talent coming through."

Culum Retallick, who had limited impact in 2013 due to injury, is another to have put pen to paper on a one-year deal.

Rogers said Retallick, who has been ruled out of Super Rugby with the Blues, was chased hard by another union and is scheduled to return from injury in July, in time for the Steamers' preseason.

The announcement shows the Steamers' coaching staff is looking to build continuity, with Josh Sole, Pingi Talapitaga, Mike Kainga, Joe Royal and Nathan Harris already back on board from last season.

About 20 players have been given full contracts, with the likes of Te Puke Sport's Elliot Hagen and Greerton Marist's Tino Nemani among those fighting for strike positions.

Last season's captain, Willie Ripia, remains unsigned, with Rogers saying it was difficult to gauge his form. considering his diminished role with the Highlanders.