The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union has announced that next year will mark the return of hooker Nathan Harris, props Solomona Sakalia and Siegfried Fisi'ihoi, number eight Joe Tupe, half back Te Aihe Toma and first five eighth Dan Hollinshead.
"We are determined to build on the progress the Steamers made during the 2015 ITM Cup. Retaining a core group of this year's team was a priority and it is great to have been able to do this," said Bay of Plenty Rugby Union chief executive Mike Rogers.
"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. Sakalia, Tupe, Toma and Hollinshead will train as part of the union's High Performance training squad at the new High Performance Training base at Blake Park, while also being involved in club rugby for their respective clubs in the 2016 Baywide competition.
"It is a good feeling to re-sign with the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union. It is where my heart lies and I am always proud to wear the blue and gold hoops," Harris said.
