Rugby: Steamers retain core experience

Former All Blacks hooker Nathan Harris has re-signed for the Bay of Plenty Steamers. Photo / File

Bay of Plenty Rugby has re-signed hooker Nathan Harris, props Solomona Sakalia and Siegfried Fisi'ihoi, number eight Joe Tupe, halfback Te Aihe Toma and first-five Dan Hollinshead.

"We are determined to build on the progress the Steamers made during the 2015 ITM Cup," Bay of Plenty chief executive officer Mike Rogers said.

"Retaining a core group of this year's team was a priority and it is great to have been able to do this.

"All of this group are proven provincial championship players and bring significant experience to our environment.

"They are all motivated to continue to improve their games and that fits with the type of players we want involved."

Harris and Fisi'ihoi will return to the Steamers following their Investec Super Rugby season with the Chiefs while Sakalia, Tupe, Toma and Hollinshead will train as part of the Bay union's High Performance training squad at the new base at Mount Maunganui's Blake Park. Harris says it's a good feeling to re-sign.

"It is where my heart lies and I am always proud to wear the blue and gold hoops. I love the Bay and being a part of the Bay of Plenty community. I have really enjoyed my time with the Steamers this year and I am looking forward to being part of the union for the next two years."