Another Bay of Plenty Steamer will soon be acclimatising himself to Dunedin's colder climate after being signed by the Highlanders for the 2015 Super Rugby season.

Prop Pingi Tala'apitaga was yesterday unveiled by the South Island franchise in what is part of a seven-strong recruitment drive to bolster their forward pack.

Caption: Bay of Plenty Steamers prop Pingi Tala'apitaga with ball in hand against Waikato during the 2013 ITM Cup. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

The 25-year-old, who has 24 ITM cup caps next to his name, is joined by fellow props Brendon Edmonds of Hawke's Bay, Tasman's Ross Geldenhuys and Josh Hohneck of Waikato, in heading south.

It is expected the four newcomers will provide much needed depth in the front after injuries and suspensions tested the Highlanders in 2014.

The Highlanders have also secured the services of Hurricanes hooker Ash Dixon and lock Mark Reddish as well as Northland flanker Dan Pryor.

'I'm pumped to be heading down south to contribute to what is already a hardworking and confrontational forward pack,” says Tala'apitaga.

His signing sees the Steamers now boasting two front rowers in the Highlanders set up with prop Kane Hames a revelation up front for the side.

Despite disappointing ITM Cup showings in recent seasons, the Steamers have a number of All Black and Super Rugby players on their books – Tala'apitanga, Hames, Sam Cane, Brodie Retallick, Culum Retallick, Nathan Harris, Carl Axtens and Mike Kainga.

Looking back on the 2014 season, Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph says a key learning is the pressure the side received at set pieces in the final stages of the competition.

The southern side finished third in the New Zealand conference on 42 points behind the Crusaders and Chiefs – sixth in the overall standings.

'We have selected players with that in mind and who we think can improve our team in that area,” says Jamie.

'All players have a real desire to be part of the Highlanders which is exciting for them and for us as we welcome them on board.”

Bay of Plenty Steamers with Super Rugby sides:

Chiefs – Sam Cane, Brodie Retallick, Natahan Harris, Carl Axtens

Blues – Culum Retallick

Hurricanes – Mike Kainga

Highlanders – Kane Hames, Pingi Tala'apitanga