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.