News

Steamers retain young flanker

Thursday 20th November 2008

Luke Braid: Full steam ahead

Bay of Plenty continued the feelgood factor in the province on Thursday, signing IRB Junior Player of the Year candidate Luke Braid for two more years.

Braid, an U19 and Junior World Championship winner with New Zealand chose the Steamers over other offers, but can opt out of the contract if he does not make 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."