Reigning World Rugby player of the year Brodie Retallick has never donned the Steamers jersey and it's unlikely he ever will after switching his NPC allegiance from Bay of Plenty back to Hawke's Bay.

All Black and Chiefs lock Brodie Retallick against Australia in 2013. Photo: File.

All Blacks lock Retallick hasn't played in the NPC since 2012 because of All Blacks commitments. But the 41-Test veteran is looking to sign a four-year deal which will see him wear the black and white jersey.

Hawke's Bay Rugby Union chief executive Mike Bishop said the 24-year-old had contacted him earlier in the year asking about a return to the province.

Retallick played his first provincial rugby with Hawke's Bay in 2011 before switching to Bay of Plenty for a season.