Jamie Nutbrown, who built an almost legendary following when he was the Bay of Plenty Steamers halfback from 2006 until halfway through the 2008 season, is to return home to the 2011 Steamers line-up.

Steamers head coach Sean Horan says Jamie's return is a great asset for the team.

'We are delighted to have Jamie Nutbrown back in the Steamers ranks after three years of playing top level rugby in the Northern Hemisphere,” says Sean.

'It gives us a rare opportunity to contract a quality player who knows what it means to be Bay Proud.”

The return of Nutbrown (29) to the Steamers follows a two-year stint with the Ospreys Rugby Union Club in Wales.

'While he was a valuable member of the Steamers prior to his departure overseas, we know that Jamie will bring a fresh perspective to his game, after the rigors of playing with and against the best in the Northern Hemisphere.

'Jamie has signed a three year contract with the Steamers and we expect him to have an additional mentoring role with the latest crop of young halfbacks, that are currently learning their craft in Baywide Premier rugby.”

He has earned a rugby CV that many players can only dream of with junior All Black representation and Super Rugby campaigns for the Crusaders and the Chiefs.

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union CEO Mike Rogers is happy with the signing.

'Securing Jamie for the next three years is a significant achievement for our union,” says Mike.

'Jamie is a quality player and is an excellent example of the type of player we want representing the Bay both on and off the field.

'Jamie indicated that he wanted to return to the Bay after his time overseas, and securing his signature is a good indication that the environment we are developing in the Bay, is one that players like and want to be apart of.”