The Bay of Plenty Steamers will have the services of Johan Bardoul for another two seasons with the rugged flanker re-signing with the union yesterday.

The announcement comes on the back of the 27-year-old's successful debut season with the Chiefs where he also secured a two year contract extension with the franchise.

Bay of Plenty Steamers flanker Johan Bardoul with ball in hand against Northland. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

The abrasive flanker forced his way into Chiefs coach Dave Rennie's 2015 squad after an impressively strong ITM Cup campaign for an otherwise disappointing Steamers side.

He was rewarded with eight caps before suffering a knee injury against the Bulls in May.

Bardoul says it was an easy decision to make given the Mount and Bay of Plenty are a great place to live.

'To get out of Hamilton for a few months of the year will be a great change of scene. With the new coaching team in place, I'm looking forward to spending some time with Clayton [Steamers coach Clayton McMillan] over the next few years.

'I really enjoy playing for the Bay and its home to me, it will be good to get the jersey back on again.”

Starting his career in Hamilton, Bardoul captained Hamilton Old Boys before playing in the Waikato Development side, on the cusp of the ITM Cup in 2012.

After finding himself surplus to loose-forward requirements, he played a season for Thames Valley in the Heartland Championship before signing on with the Steamers for the 2013 season.

Going on to play 20 games for the Bay, both as loose forward and lock.

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union chief executive Mike Rogers says it is great to have a quality player like Bardoul return for the Steamers.

He says off the back of his successful Chiefs Rugby campaign, Bardoul will be a great asset for the Steamers and his experience will be invaluable.

'Johan is a crowd favourite and brings with him a great work ethic and passion for the Bay jersey.

'He also makes a significant contribution to the community off the field which is an important part of being a Bay player.”

Bardoul is currently sidelined with the knee injury but is expected to be available by the start of the ITM Cup. The Steamers first match is against North Harbour on August 14.