23-year-old and Waikato-raised scrum-half Luke Donaldson has spent his first months in the Bay of Plenty playing Farmlands Senior Men’s Club Rugby, after coming here as one of the Steamers newly contracted players. 

One of the first people at training every night, Donaldson's determined mindset has helped lead his newly found home, Te Puna, to the second-best record in the Premier competition. 

Donaldson packs an impressive rugby resume, playing for NZ Schools' Barbarians in 2017 and Canterbury in the NPC during 2020 and 2021. 

"A few things influenced my decision to want to make a move to the Bay," says Donaldson. 

"The first reason was to be closer to my family. I had been down in Christchurch with rugby and studies since 2018. Since graduating, I wanted to continue pursuing my rugby career while being closer to Hamilton.  

"The second reason was the opportunity with the Steamers to play. I wanted to come to the Steamers because they are a great team who play an exciting brand of rugby." 

Donaldson has enjoyed the challenge of playing the different style of rugby the Bay of Plenty has to offer compared to his time in Canterbury. 

With less structure and more free, expansive play, he feels Bay of Plenty rugby is an exciting way to play the game. 

Donaldson touched upon his experience this season at Te Puna, a proud rugby club that he says has welcomed him with open arms. 

"Playing for Te Puna has far exceeded my expectations. Its support network is second to none. My family and I have really felt their kindness and generosity since being out there.  

"More importantly, the players have been very welcoming along with the coaching staff. We have a great team culture out there, and I feel lucky that I got to wear the black and blue before the exciting moment to wear the Bay blue and gold. 

Donaldson looks forward to getting into the Steamers camp, meeting his new teammates, building new connections and represent the Steamers. 

The full Steamers squad will be named on Monday 25th July. 

The 2022 Bunnings NPC draw is available online here with the Steamers kicking off their season against Wellington on Sunday 7 August.

Article added: Monday 11 July 2022