2018 SQUAD GUIDE - WordPress.com · 2017-11-01 · 4 I CHIEFS 2017 - SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE LACHLAN BOSHIER DATE OF BIRTH: 16.11.94 PHYSICAL 1.91m, 104kg POSITION: Loose forward

1 I CHIEFS 2017 - SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

2018 SQUAD GUIDE


COLIN COOPER

Head Coach

Head Coach - Maori All Blacks (2013–2017), Port Taranaki Bulls (2010–2017, 2014 ITM Cup Premiership Winners, Ranfurly Shield 2011, 2017) New Zealand Under 21’s (2001), Taranaki (1999 – 2002), Hurricanes (2003–2010) Co-Coach, New Zealand Junior All Blacks (2005–2009), Forwards Coach, Crusaders (2002).

Cooper of Ngati Pukenga has been appointed as Head Coach of the Investec Super Rugby team on an initial three-year term, succeeding Dave Rennie who will depart at the end of the 2017 season to coach in Glasgow, Scotland.

The ex Maori All Blacks and current Taranaki Mitre 10 Cup Head Coach has been coaching professionally for over 20 years, including eight seasons as Head Coach of the Hurricanes from 2003-2010. Cooper maintained a superb record with the Maori All Blacks against international sides and led the side in the DHL NZ Lion Series 2017.

ANDREW STRAWBRIDGE

Assistant Coach

Blues Development 2010-11 Chiefs Development 2002-03

Andrew Strawbridge is back as Assistant Coach for the Gallagher Chiefs for his seventh season. He helped the Chiefs win their back-to-back title wins in 2012 and 2013. Strawbridge played his rugby in the Waikato from 1983-1995. He won the NPC with the side in 1992 and the Ranfurly Shield in 1993. Strawbridge was involved with the Chiefs in 2001 as a kicking coach until he became Assistant Coach at North Harbour in 2003. He assisted with the New Zealand Under 20 in 2008 and 2009 winning the World Championship titles in both years.

CARL HOEFT

Assistant Coach

Maori All Blacks Forwards Coach (2017-

Waikato Assistant Coach (2013-)

Carl Hoeft will continue his role at the Chiefs for the fifth successive season. The former All Black and current assistant coach of the Maori All Blacks worked alongside Cooper with the national side from 2013 – 2017. Hoeft began his coaching career with Waikato Rugby after retiring in 2011 from an impressive playing career, where he achieved 30 caps in the black hersey and represented Otago and the Highlanders domestically.

TABAI MATSON

Assistant CoachBath Head Coach (2016-2017), Fiji Attack Coach (2015), Crusaders Assistant Coach (2013-2016), Canterbury Head Coach (2012), Canterbury Assistant Coach (2009-2011)

Tabai Matson has an astute rugby mind and an impressive rugby resume. The midfielder made 58 appearances for Canterbury and played 25 games for the Crusaders in the 1990s, before continuing his playing career abroad. Born in Fiji, Matson played two Tests for Fiji at the 1999 Rugby World Cup, a team he also assisted as an attack coach in the 2015 RWC. He also played five matches for the All Blacks before turning his hand to coaching. Matson joined Canterbury as their assistant coach in 2009, a role he held for three seasons before being promoted to head coach in 2012. He led Canterbury to their fifth successive national provincial championship title in his maiden year at the helm. In 2013 he joined the Crusaders coaching team and was also appointed assistant coach of the Maori All Blacks that same year, working alongside Colin Cooper for his three years with the national team.

NEIL BARNES

Assistant Coach

Chiefs Assistant Coach (2015-) Canadian Forwards Coach (2009-15), Taranaki Assistant Coach (2003- 2006, 2008) Hurricanes U23’s Assistant Coach (2001) New Plymouth Old Boys (1993- 1998, 2001)

Neil Barnes joined the Chiefs in 2016 directly from the 2015 Rugby World Cup where he was the Canadian forwards coach. He spent seven years with the Maple Leafs. Barnes was the assistant coach for the Taranaki provincial side and the Hurricanes Colts assistant coach with Dave Rennie. The dairy farmer has won seven club rugby titles with New Plymouth Old Boys. He also represented Taranaki for a few matches as lock.


SOLOMON ALAIMALO

DATE OF BIRTH: 27.12.95 PHYSICAL 1.96m, 99kg

POSITION: Fullback

SUPER GAMES: 8 SUPER POINTS: 10 (2t)

SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Rebels at Melbourne

2017 PROVINCE: Northland

PROVINCIAL GAMES: 21 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 30 (6t)

PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Manawatu (Northland) at Whangarei

TEST CAPS uncapped TEST POINTS N/A

TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: Impressive performances in his debut Investec Super Rugby season saw Solomon Alaimalo pick up the Rookie of the Year accolade at the 2017 Chiefs Awards. A powerful player with great presence and versatility, Solomon will be looking to build on his promising debut season and continue to develop as a player.

MICHAEL ALLARDICE


POSITION: Lock

SUPER GAMES: 20 SUPER POINTS: 0

SUPER DEBUT: 2015 v Highlanders at Hamilton

2017 PROVINCE: Hawke’s Bay


PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Auckland (Canterbury) at Christchurch


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: A former New Zealand Schools and Universities representative, Allardice returned from injury to acquire valuable game time in 2017. Part of the Chiefs team in 2016 which impressively beat Wales.

TYLER ARDRON


POSITION: Loose forward

SUPER GAMES: uncapped SUPER POINTS: N/A

SUPER DEBUT: N/A

2017 PROVINCE: Bay of Plenty


PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2017 v Northland at Whangarei

TEST CAPS 25 TEST POINTS 10 (2t)

TEST DEBUT 2012 Canada v USA at Kingston

COACHES SAY: Tyler is a new addition in 2018 bringing with him vital international experience as a Canadian international and playing in Europe with Ospreys. A hard working loose forward, we are excited to see Tyler’s impact in the coming season.

DOMINIC BIRD


POSITION: Lock


SUPER DEBUT: 2013 v Blues at Auckland

2017 PROVINCE: Canterbury


PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2011 v Manawatu at Christchurch

TEST CAPS 2 TEST POINTS 0

TEST DEBUT 2013 v Japan at Tokyo

COACHES SAY: Dominic has thrived at the Gallagher Chiefs, returning from injury to have a strong season in 2017. His mobility complements the strong Chiefs forward pack alongside powerhouse team mate Brodie Retallick.


LACHLAN BOSHIER




SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Sharks (Chiefs) at New Plymouth

2017 PROVINCE: Taranaki


PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Canterbury at New Plymouth


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: Boshier is a talented loose forward who has come through the New Zealand Schools and Under 20 programmes. Lachlan made his debut last year and started on the openside in the victory over Wales.

MITCHELL BROWN


POSITION: Lock/Loose forward


SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Crusaders (Chiefs) at Suva


PROVINCIAL GAMES: 27 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 0

PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v King Country at Inglewood


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: Impressive performances as an injury replacement player in 2016 earned Brown a spot in the 2017 squad and the Young Player of the Year at the 2016 Chiefs Awards. Mitchell built on that good start in 2017 and will continue to develop in 2018.

SAM CANE




SUPER DEBUT: 2011 v Lions at Johannesburg



PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v Auckland at Mt Maunganui


TEST DEBUT 2012 v Ireland at Christchurch

COACHES SAY: A player with immense talent and leadership qualities, Sam has been a vital member of the squad for the past seven seasons. Sam has been co-captain of the team for the past two seasons.

JOHNNY FA’AULI


POSITION: Midfield back


SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Highlanders at Dunedin



PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Bay of Plenty at Tauranga


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: Faauli came into the Chiefs environment in 2016 off the back of an impressive season with Taranaki in the Mitre 10 Cup. Johnny made his debut in the opening match of the campaign and is determined to become a regular in the match day 23.


TIAAN FALCON


POSITION: First five eighth


SUPER DEBUT: N/A


PROVINCIAL GAMES: 19 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 14 (1t, 3c, 1p)

PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Wellington at Napier


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: Exciting prospect Tiaan Falcon impressed after solid performances for the New Zealand U20s in their winning campaign this year. Falcon represents Hawkes Bay at Mitre 10 Cup level and is excited to push on in his debut Super Rugby season with the Gallagher Chiefs.

MITCHELL GRAHAM


POSITION: Prop


SUPER DEBUT: 2015 v Crusaders at Hamilton



PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v Manawatu (Canterbury) at Christchurch


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: A dependable prop, Mitch Graham will be looking forward to getting back out on the field after a season ending injury kept him out in 2017.

KANE HAMES


POSITION: Prop


SUPER DEBUT: 2014 v Blues (Highlanders) at Dunedin

2017 PROVINCE: Tasman


PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v Otago (Bay of Plenty) at Dun-edin


TEST DEBUT 2016 v Australia at Sydney

COACHES SAY: A regular in the front row in 2017 Kane has had a great year, impressing in Investec Super Rugby before being named in the All Blacks Rugby Championship and end of year tour squads. A consistent performer and an excellent man to have around the squad, we are happy to have Kane back for 2018.

NATHAN HARRIS


POSITION: Hooker


SUPER DEBUT: 2014 v Crusaders at Christchurch



PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Otago at Rotorua


TEST DEBUT 2014 v Argentina at La Plata

COACHES SAY: Nathan brings immense quality to the front row, as well as vital experience playing on the biggest stages. A dynamic and mobile hooker, we are excited to see Nathan continue to grow in 2018.


FIN HOEATA


POSITION: Lock


SUPER DEBUT: N/A



PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2017 v Wellington at Wellington


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: Coming through the Chiefs Development programme, Fin Hoeata has had crucial time in the Chiefs environment and will be looking forward to taking those learnings onto the field for the coming season.

LUKE JACOBSON




SUPER DEBUT: N/A

2017 PROVINCE: Waikato


PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2017 v Taranaki at New Plymouth


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: 2017 was a great year for Luke leading the New Zealand U20 team to victory in the World Championship. Luke has a huge future ahead and we are excited to seeing him develop at the Gallagher Chiefs.

MITCHELL KARPIK







PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Taranaki (Auckland) at Auckland


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: Mitchell performed well when called upon in 2017 and will be looking to further develop as a player after multiple seasons in the Chiefs environment. A hard-working loose forward, he will be looking to make a big impact on the field.

SOSEFO KAUTAI


POSITION: Prop


SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Stormers at Cape Town



PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v King Country at Matamata


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: Sosefo learnt a lot in his debut Investec Super Rugby season and is looking forward to building on that for the coming year. Sosefo is a strong and powerful prop.


NEPO LAULALA


POSITION: Prop


SUPER DEBUT: 2013 v Chiefs at Hamilton

2017 PROVINCE: Canterbury


PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2011 v North Otago at Christchurch


TEST DEBUT 2015 v Samoa at Apia

COACHES SAY: Nepo was a mainstay in the Gallagher Chiefs forward pack and 2017 after injury kept him out of the 2016 season. He has gone from strength to strength, with an impressive Investec Super Rugby season being followed up by numerous starts for the All Blacks throughout the Rugby Championship. A strong and powerful scrummager.

ANTON LIENERT-BROWN


POSITION: Second five eighth


SUPER DEBUT: 2014 v Bulls at Pretoria





TEST DEBUT 2016 v Australia at Wellington

COACHES SAY: Over the past two seasons Anton has gone from strength to strength, becoming a mainstay in the All Blacks midfield after consistent performances for the Gallagher Chiefs.

DAMIAN MCKENZIE


POSITION: First five eighth/Fullback

SUPER GAMES: 50 SUPER POINTS: 362 (16t, 69c, 48p)

SUPER DEBUT: 2015 v Blues at Albany


PROVINCIAL GAMES: 24 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 249 (5t, 43c, 45p, 1d)



TEST DEBUT 2016 v Argentina at Buenos Aires

COACHES SAY: Fan-favourite Damian McKenzie thrived under pressure in 2017, playing every match and sharing the kicking duties with Aaron Cruden. He has gone on to establish himself in the All Blacks and will be looking to light up the competition again in 2018.

MARTY MCKENZIE


POSITION: Fullback/First five eighth

SUPER GAMES: 19 SUPER POINTS: 42 (1t,11c, 5p)

SUPER DEBUT: 2013 v Bulls (Blues) at Auckland


PROVINCIAL GAMES: 61 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 469 (13t, 100c, 65p, 3d)

PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2011 v North Harbour (Southland) at Invercargill


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: Returning to the Gallagher Chiefs after a stint with the Crusaders in Christchurch, first five-eight Marty McKenzie is a versatile player and gives us great options in the backline.


SAM MCNICOL


POSITION: Wing


SUPER DEBUT: 2015 v Chiefs (Hurricanes) at New Plymouth



PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Bay of Plenty (Wellington) at Mt Maunganui


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: A versatile back with a booming left boot, we are excited to see Sam further develop in his role in 2018.

LIAM MESSAM




SUPER DEBUT: 2006 v Sharks at Durban


PROVINCIAL GAMES: 85 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 148 (29t, 1d)

PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2003 v Italy at Hamilton


TEST DEBUT 2008 v Scotland at Edenburgh

COACHES SAY: We are thrilled to have our most-capped Chief back for yet another season. A born leader, Liam’s presence is massive both on and off the field and we look forward to his leadership as we enter a new Chiefs era.

ATUNAISA MOLI


POSITION: Prop


SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Kings at Port Elizabeth



PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Tasman at Hamilton


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: The former New Zealand U20 captain has benefitted from two strong seasons of Investec Super Rugby. A powerful presence in the front row, Moli will be vying for more time in the starting line-up in 2018.

TIM NANAI-WILLIAMS


POSITION: Fullback/Midfield back

SUPER GAMES: 84 SUPER POINTS: 141 (26t, 1c, 3p)

SUPER DEBUT: 2010 v Sharks at Durban

2017 PROVINCE: Counties Manukau

PROVINCIAL GAMES: 65 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 287 (24t, 31c, 35p)

PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2008 v Northland at Whangarei

TEST CAPS 8 TEST POINTS 12 (2t, 1c)

TEST DEBUT 2015 v New Zealand (Samoa) at Apia

COACHES SAY: An experienced head in the Chiefs backline, Nanai-Williams’ wealth of experience will be beneficial for the squad in 2018. Boasting huge versatility with the ability to play multiple positions, the quick and tricky back will look to light games up with bright performances this upcoming season.


ALEX NANKIVELL




SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Stormers at Cape Town



PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Waikato at Hamilton


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: Following an impressive maiden season as a replacement player, Alex Nankivell has earned a place as a full squad player. Alex is a talented centre with good consistent distribution ability.

CHARLIE NGATAI




SUPER DEBUT: 2011 v Chiefs (Hurricanes) at Wellington


PROVINCIAL GAMES: 73 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 123 (24t, 1p)

PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2008 v Wanganui (Poverty Bay) at Wanganui)



COACHES SAY: An immensely talented player, Charlie will be looking forward to regular game time in 2018. A huge presence in the Chiefs backline, Charlie plays with great intelligence and decision making.

LIAM POLWART


POSITION: Hooker

SUPER GAMES: uncappedSUPER POINTS: N/A

SUPER DEBUT: N/A



PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Taranaki at Tauranga


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: Progressing through the Chiefs Development Programme, Polwart was solid in his first Investec Super Rugby season. Making his debut against the Waratahs, Liam was part of the NZ side that won the World Rugby Under 20 Championship in 2015.

TONI PULU


POSITION: Wing


SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Force at Hamilton



PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Southland at Pukekohe


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: Toni has been ever-present in his two seasons with the Gallagher Chiefs and has made the most of his opportunities. A strong figure on the wing, Pulu has been described as one of the fastest men in New Zealand.


BRODIE RETALLICK


POSITION: Lock


SUPER DEBUT: 2012 v Highlanders at Hamilton



PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v Auckland at Auckland


TEST DEBUT 2012 v Ireland at Auckland

COACHES SAY: A world class forward in every aspect, Brodie brings immense experience to the Gallagher Chiefs. Brodie has a huge work rate with the skillset to match.

AIDAN ROSS


POSITION: Prop


SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Force at Perth



PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Tasman at Nelson


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: Aidan Ross joins the Gallagher Chiefs after being integrated into last season’s team as an injury replacement player. Hailing from the Bay of Plenty, Aidan has come through the Chiefs development programme and will look to take learnings from last year’s valuable experience into the upcoming season.

TALENI SEU


POSITION: Lock/Loose forward



2017 PROVINCE: Auckland


PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Southland at Invercargill


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: A strong forward with great aerial skills, Taleni Seu has performed well in his two Super Rugby seasons. Taleni is versatile and will be looking to further his skills in 2018.

SHAUN STEVENSON


POSITION: Fullback



2017 PROVINCE: North Harbour


PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Tasman (Waikato) at Hamilton


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: Shaun enters his third season with the Gallagher Chiefs. Quick and elusive, Stevenson always poses a threat in the backline and will be looking for more opportunities to shine in 2018.


TE TOIROA TAHURIORANGI


POSITION: Halfback


SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Kings at Port Elizabeth



PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Wellington at New Plymouth


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: A new face for 2018 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi hails from Chiefs Country representing Rotorua Boys High. He has had valuable experience with the Hurricanes and NZ Maori team, including playing against the British and Irish Lions this year.

REGAN VERNEY


POSITION: Midfield


SUPER DEBUT: N/A

2017 PROVINCE: Wellington


PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2017 v Manawatu at Palmerston North


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: Taranaki born Regan Verney is another new face in the backline. Verney impressed in his debut Mitre 10 Cup campaign for Wellington this year and will be looking to build on that come the season.

SAMISONI TAUKEI’AHO


POSITION: Hooker





PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Thames Valley at Paeroa


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: Samisoni impressed as a squad replacement player and was part of the winning Brisbane Global Rugby Tens side in 2017. A front rower with big potential.

BRAD WEBER


POSITION: Halfback




PROVINCIAL GAMES: 52 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 77 (15t, 1c)

PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Southland (Otago) at Balclutha



COACHES SAY: Brad will be excited to wear the jersey again after an unfortunate injury kept him out of the entire 2017 season. A smart halfback, Brad adds spark to an exciting Chiefs backline.


LEVI AUMUA


POSITION: Outside back


SUPER DEBUT: N/A



PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2017 v Canterbury at Nelson


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: A damaging backline weapon, Aumua’s versatility will provide our backline with great options in 2018. Aumua can play centre or wing and his big stature will pose a threat to opposing defences. An impressive season for Tasman in the Mitre 10 Cup which caught the coaches eye.

JONATHAN TAUMATEINE


POSITION: Halfback





PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v North Harbour at Albany


TEST DEBUT N/A

COACHES SAY: 2017 was a year of progression for Jonathan Taumateine after he featured in the winning squad at the Brisbane Global Rugby Tens and was then named as a squad replacement player. Jonathan got valuable minutes under his belt and will be looking to push on as a full member of the squad in 2018.

2018 SQUAD GUIDE - WordPress.com · 2017-11-01 · 4 I CHIEFS 2017 - SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE LACHLAN BOSHIER DATE OF BIRTH: 16.11.94 PHYSICAL 1.91m, 104kg POSITION: Loose forward

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