Bay of Plenty prop Pingi Tala'apitaga is enjoying his time with the Highlanders.
Pingi Tala'apitaga was last year undecided whether to sign a contract to play for the Steamers for another two years.
The 28-year-old prop, who can play both sides of the scrum, first came over from Sydney to play for Bay of Plenty in 2010. But he was not sure if
he would stay in the Bay, particularly as his good mate Kane Hames had signed for Tasman.
But then came a double dose of good news.
First Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph called and offered him a contract to join Hames at the southern franchise and then Clayton McMillan was announced as the new head coach of the Steamers.
McMillan's appointment was the key factor in Tala'apitaga's decision to sign on the dotted line, which was well received by everyone involved with Bay of Plenty rugby. Props who are 1.87m tall, weigh 120kg and have Super Rugby experience are few and far between in Bay of Plenty.
