Clayton McMillan has extended his role as Steamers head coach and Bay of Plenty Rugby Union director of rugby through to the end of the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup.

Chief executive Mike Rogers says it's an easy decision to extend Clayton's current contract which was set to expire next year after the 2017 provincial rugby competition.

Bay of Plenty Steamers head coach Clayton McMillian has had his contract extended through to the end of the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup. Photo: Chris Callinan.

'Clayton has already contributed significantly to the outcomes we are currently achieving. He is motivated and committed to living our strategic vision and helping us gain future success,” says Mike.

'We are confident we have one of the best young coaches in New Zealand and having him contracted through to the end of 2019 will provide the consistency of leadership we are after and continue to develop the environment that our players, staff and community will benefit from.”

Appointed in 2015, Clayton says he's thoroughly enjoys the role and is humbled to have received a contract extension.

'I am passionate about our province. I believe we are a union on a significant upward trend who are committed to growing the game and creating a culture of success from grass roots right through to a high performance level,” says Clayton.

'We have the capacity to be a major player in the New Zealand rugby landscape and I am hugely motivated to play my part in achieving that, alongside our staff, players, schools, clubs, administrators and stakeholders.”