Rugby: Prop Hames heading for Tasman

Steamers prop Kane Hames is leaving the Bay of Plenty Steamers to take up a deal with the Tasman Makos.

Bay of Plenty rugby supporters will be disappointed that one of the few success stories of the past two seasons is leaving to play for Tasman next year.

Loosehead prop Kane Hames, 26, has established himself quickly as one of the top scrummagers in the country. He made the Steamers jersey his own in 2013 after getting his chance with injuries to more senior props. Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph signed him to a Super Rugby contract and the Maori All Blacks selectors came calling for the end-of-year-tour to North America.

Early this year Hames was called into two All Blacks training camps.

Talk about living the dream.

But sadly his time in the Bay of Plenty is over after he decided he needed new challenges.

"I have been with the Bay as a player for two seasons. I worked for them as a RDO [rugby development officer] for five years, and I sort of have done everything I can do in the Bay," Hames said.

"There were some frustrating things to do with that and there can be frustrating things everywhere. I want to learn some new things with a new experience and hopefully a really successful one.

"I really want to get some development out of the way Tasman play. Most importantly, hopefully win the premiership next year. That's a big driver why I am going down."

Developing his coaching skills is a huge factor in his decision to sign with Tasman.

"I hear Kieran Keane is a pretty awesome coach and so is Leon MacDonald. You can just see it in their results. I want to learn some new coaching styles and other stuff. I have been involved in the coaching set-up here for a long time."

Hames would one day like to return to play for the Steamers but he has higher ambitions ahead of him.

"It would be a huge achievement if I get to wear even one All Black jersey. It has been a long journey.

"I had a pretty tough upbringing so to get there from where I have come from would be huge.

"Hopefully I can inspire other kids to do the same."