Former Fiji 15s skipper and Waikato rugby hooker Greg Smith has been named coach of the Bay of Plenty Steamers.

He replaced Kevin Schuler, who confirmed last month he was taking up an offer from Japanese Club, Yamaha.

Smith, who also played super rugby for the Chiefs, is a New Zealand Rugby Union professional development manager.

He has coached Waikato age group teams and last year took Fraser Tech to the province's club title.

In 2001, he was assistant coach of Fiji, when they won the Pan Pacific championship.