KEY POINTS:
Bay of Plenty has retained the services of rising young rugby talent Luke Braid who has committed to another two years with the province.
Flanker Luke Braid, who won world titles with the New Zealand under-19s last year and the national juniors this year, said he wanted to stay with the Steamers despite offers from elsewhere.
However, he does have an out-clause to seek other opportunities should he miss out on the Chiefs Super 14 wider training group.
"I still feel I'm developing as a rugby player and Bay of Plenty players have shown they can make the step up to the national stage from this level," Braid said in a statement.
Bay of Plenty Rugby Union chief executive Jeremy Curragh said it was crucial that Braid stayed.
"It shows other rising stars the pathways that can be created by remaining here."
Curragh was also confident of retaining the bulk of this year's Air NZ Cup squad and expects to have more signings confirmed in the next fortnight.
Braid is in London, where he will attend the International Rugby Board awards ceremony as a finalist in the international junior player of the year category.
- NZPA
