Haere rā to Otere Black, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Onisi Ratave and Luke Campbell who will all sadly be departing the Steamers squad and starting a new chapter of their rugby careers overseas.

The extension of the Bunnings Warehouse NPC past the usual finishing time has meant the boys won't play the last part of the season. The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union and our Bay of Plenty whānau want to wish you all the best and we hope to see you back in Bay colours again.

Statements below 

Otere Black  

"For the next few weeks, I'll be chilling here in the Bay of Plenty with my Family. Then on October 28, I'll be flying out to Japan and starting a new chapter of my career with NTT Shining Arcs.”

"I've been very lucky to spend the last two years here. The Bay is home for me, and to be given the opportunity last year to come back home and play was something I had always wanted to do in my rugby career.”

"I can honestly say that my two years playing for the Steamers have been two of the most enjoyable campaigns I have been a part of.”

"My time here has been amazing. The Bay will always be home, and you never know, one day I could be back later on down the track."

Whetukamokamo Douglas 

"Unfortunately, due to the extended bunnings NPC season, I have had to cut my time with the Bay of Plenty Steamers short. But I am excited to be joining the Japanese based NEC Green Rockets for two years.”

"I'd like to thank the management for the opportunity to be a part of this team. It has definitely felt like a homecoming coming back to the Bay of Plenty.”

"To the Bay supporters, thank you so much for your support. Your passion and aroha will be sorely missed.”

"I hope to return one day to give back to the community game and see you all again. Ngā mihi."

Onisi Ratave

Onisi Ratave will now depart to back home to Fiji after signing with the Fiji Drua for the 2022 Super Rugby competition.

“I have enjoyed my time in the Bay, the support from my family, the Management and Players, plus all the support from the local Fiji Community.”

I look forward to hopefully coming back to the Bay next season.

Luke Campbell

Luke Campebll heads off to Europe where he has signed with the Racing Club Narbonne in the South of France, to play the rest of the 2021-22 ProD2 season.
“I absolutely loved my 6 years with the Bay of Plenty Steamers. Every year was enjoyable, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of teammates, coaches and management to experience playing NPC rugby with.”
“I plan to be in France until the end of June playing for Narbonne and will wait to see what happens in the future.”
 

Article added: Friday 29 October 2021