Bay of Plenty Steamers captain Culum Retallick will be in blue and gold for another season after extending his contract.

BOP Rugby Union officials confirmed that the 31-year-old has re-signed for another year, having lead the provincial side in the 2014 ITM Cup campaign.

Bay of Plenty Steamers captain Culum Retallick with ball in hand. Photo: Rick Moran.

The extension means Retallick, who debuted in 2007, moves closer to notching up 100 games for the Bay. He's currently sitting on 83.

After stints with the Chiefs and Highlanders, he has been contracted to the Blues since 2013, although he spent six months on the sidelines last year after injuring his knee in pre-season training.

'I have always enjoyed my time with the Steamers and couldn't see myself playing anywhere else,” says Retallick.

'It was an easy decision to make to return to the Bay, with a new coaching team, great playing environment and group behind the scenes.

'It will be an exciting year ahead, with Clayton (new Bay of Plenty Steamers coach Clayton McMillan) coaching and having a great mix of experience. It will be good to get back in the Bay jersey again.”

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union chief executive Mike Rogers says it would be fantastic if Retallick could become the next player to play 100 games for the Bay.

"Given the changing nature of rugby this would be a fantastic achievement,” says Rogers.

Bay of Plenty will open their 2015 ITM Cup campaign at home against North Harbour on August 14 at 8.05pm at Tauranga's ASB Baypark Stadium.

Week three will prove to be a big week for the Bay of Plenty, hosting their midweek fixture against Southland on August 26 at ASB Baypark before the feature match of the Steamers ITM Cup Campaign against Waikato at the Tauranga Domain four days later.

Following a game away to Counties Manukau, week five will see Rotorua host the Steamers as they take on ITM Cup Premiership winners Taranaki on September 12 at Rotorua International Stadium.

The final scheduled home game for 2015 will be held on October 4 at ASB Baypark, where the Bay of Plenty will host Wellington.

The Steamers will play three pre-season games leading up to their ITM Cup campaign across the region.

The first pre-season match will be held at Moore Park, Katikati on June 24, where the Steamers will play Counties Manukau under their respective banners of Wasps and Cavaliers.

The Steamers will also take on Auckland on July 31 at Whakatane's Rugby Park and Manawatu at the Tauranga Domain on August 6.

Home games for 2015: North Harbour, Southland, Waikato, Taranaki, and Wellington.

Away games for 2015: Tasman, Counties Manukau, Hawke's Bay, Northland and Otago.