The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union is pleased to announce the signing of Maori All Black and Crusaders back-rower Whetukamokamo Douglas for the 2021 Bunnings Warehouse NPC season.

Douglas played an integral role in the Crusaders last three championship campaigns after he re-signed with the franchise in 2018, following a two-year stint with Italian club Benetton.

Steamers head coach Daryl Gibson says that the experience Douglas brings will be invaluable to the team.

"Whetu brings with him quality experience and a champion's mindset being a bi-product of the Crusaders system," says Gibson.

"He's also a proud Bay boy who has whakapapa within this region, so we are pleased to welcome him back home."

Douglas was born in Rotorua before moving to the East Coast, where he attended Gisborne Boys' High School.

After a successful three years playing for Waikato in the NPC, Douglas moved down South in 2017, where he has stayed ever since.

Having represented the Maori All Blacks in 2016 and 2020, Douglas will now return to the Bay alongside fellow new signings and Maori All Blacks Manaaki Selby-Rickett and recent five try Chiefs hero Sean Wainui.

The powerhouse trio will look to bolster an already impressive Steamers line-up who will chase an elusive second Premiership after the province won the inaugural NPC title back in 1976.