Prop Kane Hames has high hopes at Tasman [Fairfax]
The Tasman Makos have begun consolidating their front-row resources with the signing of Bay of Plenty Steamers prop Kane Hames.
Loosehead prop Hames, 26, has established himself quickly as one of the top scrummagers in the country.
He made the Steamers jersey his own last year after getting his chance through injuries to more senior props.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph signed him to a Super Rugby contract and the Maori All Blacks selectors came calling for the end-of-year-tour to North America. Early this year Hames was called into two All Blacks training camps.
But his time in the Bay of Plenty is over after he decided he needed new challenges.
"I have been with the Bay as a player for two seasons," he said.
"I worked for them as a RDO [rugby development officer] for five years and I sort of have done everything I can do in the Bay. There were some frustrating things to do with that and there can be frustrating things everywhere.
"I want to learn some new things with a new experience and hopefully a really successful one.
"I really want to get some development out of the way Tasman play. Most importantly, hopefully win the Premiership next year. That's a big driver why I am going down."
Developing his coaching skills is a huge factor in his decision to sign with Tasman.
"I hear Kieran Keane is a pretty awesome coach and so is Leon MacDonald. You can just see it in their results. I want to learn some new coaching styles and other stuff."
Hames would like to return to play for the Steamers one day but he has higher ambitions.
"It would be a huge achievement if I get to wear even one All Black jersey. It has been a long journey.
"I had a pretty tough upbringing so to get there from where I have come from would be huge.
"Hopefully I can inspire other kids to do the same."
Tasman chief executive Tony Lewis said the objective this year was to build the depth within the squad.
"The objective in 2015 is to add quality to the gene pool and Kane certainly does that."
Lewis said Tasman were looking to increase their number of props from four this year to six for next season's ITM Cup campaign.
Tim Perry, Ross Geldenhuys and Siua Halanukonuka were this year's established trio, and the union is also about to enter discussions with Reuben Northover.
Hames increases the number to five, and the sixth prop is expected to be chosen from Tasman club rugby. Fairfax NZ
