Karpik and Tiatia commit to the Steamers until 2018

The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union have announced that loose forward Mitchel Karpik and full back Chase Tiatia have committed with the Union through to the end of the 2018 Mitre 10 Cup, following their naming in the 2017 Chiefs squad.

21-year-old Karpik had an outstanding 2015 season and was named in the 2016 Chiefs Squad. However, he suffered a knee injury during a Chiefs pre-season match against the Waratas in Rotorua ruling him out for the season. Karpik will be hoping to stamp his mark in his Super Rugby competition and debut for the Chiefs and later the Bay of Plenty Steamers.

Full back Chase Tiatia was an impact player for the Bay of Plenty Steamers this season. The 21 year old stamped his mark in his Provincial Rugby debut last year, securing himself a contract with the franchise and has been renewed for 2017. He has played 14 games for the Bay, and will be returning from injury after suffering a broken ankle in the Mitre 10 Cup Semi Final.