The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union has announced loose forward Mitch Karpik and full back Chase Tiatia have committed with the Union through to the end of the 2018 Mitre 10 Cup.

The news follows their naming in the 2017 Chiefs squad.

21 year old Karpik had an outstanding 2015 season for the New Zealand Under 20 campaign, followed by an impressive ITM Cup for Auckland and was named in the 2016 Chiefs Squad.

However Karpik suffered a knee injury during a Chiefs pre-season match against the Waratahs in Rotorua ruling him out for the season. Karpik will be hoping to stamp his mark in his Investec Super Rugby competition and debut for the Chiefs and later the Bay of Plenty Steamers.

Talented full back Chase Tiatia was once again an impact player for the Bay of Plenty Steamers this season. The 21 year old stamped his mark in his Provincial Rugby debut last year, securing himself a contract with the franchise and has been renewed for 2017.

Tiatia has played 14 games for the Bay, and will be returning from injury after suffering a broken ankle in the Mitre 10 Cup Semi Final. He plans to return from the Chiefs for the 2017 Mitre 10 Cup.

Bay of Plenty Rugby CEO Mike Rogers says it's great having two quality players like Karpik and Tiata commit to the Bay for an extended period.

'It is a great sign for us that they believe in the direction we are heading and want to be a part of the future of Bay Rugby. Unfortunately both suffered injuries this year, but they have made a huge impact off the field contributing to the community.”