Three Bay of Plenty Steamers forwards with Super Rugby experience are signalling their intentions of moving the side forward, re-signing with the union for the upcoming ITM Cup season.

Loose forward and No 8 Carl Axtens, prop Kane Hames and lock Culum Retallick, have all put pen to paper allowing them to resume provincial duties at the conclusion of the Super Rugby season – Axten with the Chiefs, Hames with the Highlanders and Retallick the Blues.

Carl Axten, Culum Retallick and Kane Hames are re-signing with the union.

Axtens is a local talent out of Reporoa with 20 Bay caps already next to his name and is re-signing through to the end of 2015.

One of the standout performers in a disappointing Steamers 2013 ITM Cup campaign, Axtens uncompromising form has him training with the Chiefs Super Rugby Wider Training Group.

For Hames the one year extension comes on the back of an exceptional 2013, bursting on to the provincial scene and securing a Highlanders contract where he continues to flourish weekly.

He capped of the year by being named in the New Zealand Maori squad, alongside his Steamers front row partner Joe Royal.

Retallick has also re-signed for the 2014 season despite playing no part in the Blue's Super Rugby campaign due to injury. He was ruled out for six months in December after injuring his knee in preseason training.

With 72 games for the Bay, the mobile lock made his 50th appearance in a victory against Counties Manukau during the opening round of 2011.

Although injured, the 28-year-old is expected to be available by the start of the ITM Cup season early August.

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union chief executive Mike Rogers is rapt to have quality players such as the three re-commit to the union despite dropping from the premiership to the championship as a result of their 2013 campaign.

'Kane was given an opportunity last season and demonstrated his ability. Carl and Culum bring a large amount of experience and will help provide leadership for our 2014 team.