The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union has re-signed one of the hottest young rugby talents in the country, for a further three years.

Sam Cane, who originally signed with Bay of Plenty Rugby while still at Reporoa College in 2009, has re-inked his contract to play in the Bay of Plenty Steamers Blue and Gold uniform, until the end of the 2014 season.

The dynamic loose forward, is another who has made his mark in New Zealand age group rugby by way of the Bay of Plenty Rugby pathway. He follows in the recent footsteps of Luke Braid and Tanerau Latimer who also learned their rugby skills in the Bay and continue to play for the province.

“I am pretty excited about re-signing with the Bay, and am happy to recommit to the Steamers for another three years.
I am a Bay man through and through and have never played for any other union than the Bay of Plenty,” said Sam.

Sam continued “I can’t see myself playing for anyone other than Bay of Plenty in the foreseeable future, and am excited with the coaching staff in place for the coming season”. “While we had a good season last year, finishing just one win off a finals berth, we have unfinished ITM Cup business this season”.

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union CEO Mike Rogers said “Signing Sam was a key objective for the Union; any provincial union in the country would love to have Sam representing them. Sam epitomizes everything that we want in a player. Not only is he an outstanding rugby talent he is also a quality individual with excellent values.”

Rogers continued “Signing Sam to a long term deal was important to us to show our community the importance we place on our young players and the commitment we are prepared to make in our local talent. We are looking forward to working with Sam to achieve his goals.”

In just three years, Sam has gone from playing secondary school rugby for Reporoa College, to a permanent Super 15 place with the Chiefs this season. The progress of the former Reporoa JAB player reflects the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union pathways, which allows the both the regions country and city boys, to achieve their rugby aspirations from within Bay of Plenty Rugby.

At last seasons NZRU Awards night, Sam’s outstanding achievements were recognised with the NZRU Young Player of the Year. His list of achievements include membership of the New Zealand Under 20 IRB Junior World Cup winning team in 2010 and 2011, along with a myriad of other representative milestones.

For Further Information Contact:
Mike Rogers BOPRU Chief Executive Officer 029 4784292