Rugby: New coach seals deal for prop Pingi

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.

"I have been coached by Clayton in the Bay Development squad back when I first arrived in 2010," Tala'apitaga said. "I enjoyed working under him and when I heard he was given the job I was excited and it went a long way for me re-signing for the Bay for two more years. I am really positive about this year and hopefully I learn some stuff at the Highlanders, not just around scrummaging but from a winning sort of environment. Hopefully I will be able to contribute to the team wherever it suits.

"Yeah I am really stoked that Donk [McMillan] is there and Gibby [assistant coach Rodney Gibbs] is still involved with us as well."

Tala'apitaga is having to bide his time for a start with the Highlanders but has played off the bench in nearly every game. His highlight was the resounding win over defending champions the Waratahs in Dunedin.

"It was quite fitting that I played them because I am originally from Sydney and I know a few of them. It was special for me. I came on off the bench and I guess your role is to bring energy, get through some work and as a bench we all did that and contributed to bring home a win which was nice."

But rugby is not the biggest challenge Tala'apitanga has faced living in Dunedin - it is the weather.

"It is so cold down here."