The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union has teamed up with the New Zealand Drug Detection Agency in a partnership aiming to promote the mutual values and philosophies of both organisations.

Following the recent NZRU release of two additional sponsorship properties, the significance of the NZDDA's sponsorship will see the NZDDA logo on the left hand side of the Steamers collar for at least 12 months.

Steamers head coach Kevin Schuler, NZDDA BOP general manager Leigh Sefton, operations manager Kevin McFarlane and Mike Rogers.

NZDDA Bay of Plenty general manager Leigh Sefton says they are very pleased to sponsor the BOPRU this season.

'With the broad appeal of rugby in the Bay and the large number of spectators and supporters the game has, we believe our partnership with the BOPRU will give widespread coverage and support to our goal of a drug-free workplace and community.”

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union chief executive officer Mike Rogers says there are many synergies between the NZDDA and BOPRU, not just from organisational perspectives but in mutual philosophies too.

'As with the NZDDA, we would also love to see drug-free work places and communities resulting in happier and healthier homes and environments.

'We are very excited about the future of this relationship and what we together can bring to our community.

'Adding to the synergies, Leigh Sefton is well-known in the region and within our organisation as, until recently, he was an active referee.

'Leigh brings an intimate knowledge of what both organisations are trying to achieve and the challenges we face,” he says.

While the sponsorship agreement has been signed for a twelve-month period, the wish of both parties is to see a long-term partnership that reflects both organisations' long-term strategies and outcomes.