Compacted and daunting as this year's ITM campaign is for most players it's old hat for Steve Kefu.

The former Wallabies centre has joined Bay of Plenty and will make his debut at second five-eighths against Counties-Manukau on Sunday in Pukekohe.

The 31-year-old comes loaded with plenty of experience, after six Tests from 2001-03, eight years with the Queensland Reds in the Super 12 and six seasons in Europe with French club Castres and English club Wasps. He's the brother of former Wallaby No 8 Toutai, and isn't fazed about packing in 10 games in seven weeks.

"We were playing 32 games in a year with Wasps and the trainings were pretty high-intensity and when I finished, I played another three club games back in Brisbane, so I've still got plenty of match fitness," Kefu said. He arrived in Tauranga a fortnight ago.

"The game is changing all the time and I'm still learning and enjoying being around the young blokes in the Bay team but it's likely to be my last season so I want to make the most of it."

Kefu's presence will be important for the Steamers, who have lost champion first five-eighths Mike Delany to Japan this year. Dan Waenga will start at pivot this weekend with Otago recruit Chris Noakes on the bench, while Phil Burleigh has shifted out to centre to make room for the Queenslander.

Bay have also lost midfielders Grant McQuoid (retired), Cory Aporo (North Harbour) and Brett Mather (Japan) this season, and jumped when they heard Kefu was on the market.

"We were looking for a really experienced guy to have a working holiday here for 10 weeks and he fit the bill, as he's on his way back to Aussie," Steamers coach Sean Horan said. "He's got a really experienced head on his shoulders and is in pretty good nick."

For his part, Kefu is looking forward to unleashing some of the talent around him, with Jason Hona and Lelia Masaga on the wings and New Zealand sevens player Toby Arnold at fullback.

"Coming over here and seeing the skill level of some of the players like Phil Burleigh, Dan Waenga and Toby Arnold – it's just phenomenal that someone hasn't snapped them up," Kefu said.

"Playing beside them and seeing their skill level and the way they understand the game has really given me a second wind to try and keep at the same level as them.

"I've still got a lot to offer on the field. I've played so many games that I can hopefully help them come out of their shells and I can't wait for the season to start."