Rugby: Burleigh stays loyal to Steamers

Phil Burleigh scores for the Highlanders against the Hurricanes in last year's clash in Dunedin. Photo / File

When it comes to provincial loyalty, Bay of Plenty midfielder Phil Burleigh is hard to beat.

While preparing for tonight's big clash for the Highlanders against the Hurricanes in Wellington, Burleigh told the Bay of Plenty Times he can not wait to get home to Mount Maunganui and help the Steamers win promotion into the ITM Premiership.

"It will be awesome to be back. I love the Bay of Plenty and I would never go and play for another provincial union in New Zealand," said Burleigh. "Yeah for sure, that's definite. I made that my home and I will definitely stay loyal to the Bay.

"Hopefully we have a good season this year. It was pretty disappointing last year. We had a lot of injuries which didn't help."

Burleigh is relishing being back to full fitness after missing all of the ITM Cup campaign last year after he underwent shoulder surgery.

"Having the surgery and missing the ITM Cup was obviously disappointing but everything has gone good this year with (the shoulder) and I have not had any issues with it so far. Fingers crossed it stays that way."

This is Burleigh's third season with the Highlanders.

The 27-year-old has played a key role in the team's recent resurgence to now be serious playoff contenders after overcoming a slow start to the 2014 campaign.

"Hopefully we can keep doing that for the rest of the season. We would definitely be disappointed if we didn't make the top six. If we keep winning, we will definitely be in the final."

Another standout player for the Highlanders has been Bay of Plenty prop Kane Hames, in his first Super Rugby campaign.

The Chiefs and Blues are not playing this round of Super Rugby as they have byes.