Mike Delany has returned from England to play for the Bay of Plenty Steamers in the upcoming Mitre 10 Cup season, and is excited about playing under coach Clayton McMillan.

Delany has recently returned from England where he was playing for the Newcastle Falcons in the English Aviva Premiership.

Delany is described as a versatile playmaker, providing strength on attack and accuracy with the boot. Having clocked up over 60 caps for the Bay of Plenty Steamers, the 35-year-old first five eight brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Bay of Plenty side.

In a career spanning over a decade Delany has previously played Super Rugby for both the Highlanders and the Chiefs prior to heading overseas to play for Japanese club Panasonic Wild Knights, French Club Clermont Auvergne and the Newcastle Falcons.

Delany excited to be back on home soil. 'It is great to be back, it has only been a couple of days now, but I am loving being back home.

'My family and I had thought long and hard about when would be the right time to come back to New Zealand and when this opportunity came up with Bay of Plenty Rugby, it just felt like something we couldn't pass up.

'We were fortunate enough that the Newcastle Falcons granted me early release, so after six seasons or so overseas I'm excited and motivated to return to play for the Bay, it is where I started and it is home for us.”

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union's Director of Rugby and Steamers Head Coach Clayton McMillan says Delany brings a vast amount of experience to the team through his time overseas and having previously played here when he was an integral member of a successful Steamers outfit.

'That success culminated in his selection as an All Black has opened doors for the fantastic opportunities he has experienced since.

'He has added value wherever he has gone and we are confident he will bring the experience, professionalism, and game management ability that will allow our exciting group to flourish, and provide fantastic mentoring to some special talent we have coming through our Academy ranks.”

Mike Delany Player History:

Bay of Plenty Steamers (2005 – 2010) Caps: 61

All Blacks (2009) Cap: 1 Debut: November 15, v Italy, San Siro Stadium, Milan

Super Rugby: Highlanders (2007, 2012) + Chiefs (2009 – 2011)

Japan Top League: Panasonic Wild Knights (2011 – 2013)

French Top 14: Clermont Auvergne (2013 – 2015)

Aviva Premiership: Newcastle Falcons (2015 – 2017)