Bay of Plenty have snapped up former Wallabies and Queensland Reds midfielder Steve Kefu for this year's national provincial rugby championship campaign.

Kefu appeared in six Tests for Australia from 2001-2003 during his eight-season Super Rugby stint with the Reds.

He then headed to Europe where he had three seasons with French club Castres and, most recently, two years with English side Wasps.

Kefu will fill a void left by the departure of Cory Aporo to North Harbour, Brett Mather to Japan and the retirement of Bay of Plenty stalwart Grant McQuoid.

"With the departure of Brett Mather, we were searching for a midfield player who can pass on his vast knowledge and skills to our younger group of Steamers midfield backs," Bay of Plenty coach Sean Horan said.

"Steve has been a professional rugby player for more than a decade and has played in the cauldron of Test and Super Rugby along with time in France and England. That type of experience will be invaluable for the entire Steamers team this season."

Kefu, 31, is a brother of former Wallabies No.8 Toutai Kefu.

"Signed for the Bay of Plenty in New Zealand for next season," Steve Kefu tweeted. "Will miss London and all the great people I've met over here."

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