Chiefs (Super rugby franchise)
Encyclopedia
The Chiefs are a professional Rugby union
team based in Hamilton
, New Zealand
. Their home ground is Waikato Stadium
. The Chiefs play in black, red and yellow coloured jerseys. The team competes in the Super Rugby competition (known as the Super 12 from 1996 to 2005 and Super 14
from 2006-2010) and is one of the competition's five New Zealand
sides.
Until 2004, the Chiefs were the only New Zealand side to never have qualified for the Super 12 semi-finals. In that year the Chiefs earned their first semi-final berth, and in the end achieved 4th place (defeated 37-20 in the semi-final by the ACT Brumbies). They had their best finish in 2009, making the final but finding themselves on the short end of a record 61–17 defeat by the Bulls.
In 2000 the Chiefs won 3 of their regular season games and finished in 10th place by the end of the season. The following season the team equalled their best position again - finishing 6th. In 2002 the team won 4 games and lost 7 to finish in 8th position, and the season after, 2003, fell to a 10th finish. But the season after the Chiefs won 7 regular season games and came in at 4th on the season table - claiming their first semi-final spot in their history. The Chiefs lost the semi-final against the Brumbies. In 2005 the team finished 6th. In 2006 the Super 12 expanded to the Super 14 with the addition of a new Australian and South African team. The Chiefs won 7 of their 13 games and drew once with 5 losses to come 7th. In 2009 the Chiefs made their second ever semi final, defeating the Hurricanes 14 - 10 to advance to the final for the first time. They lost the 2009 final to the Bulls by the biggest-ever margin 61-17.
, Counties Manukau
, King Country
, Thames Valley
and Waikato
. Originally the Chiefs also represented North Harbour
and Northland
, because when the Super 12 was created in 1995, a large contingent of New Zealand
players came from Auckland
, North Harbour and Counties Manukau
.
Had the Auckland Blues
been allowed to represent Auckland, North Harbour, Counties Manukau and Northland, they would have in effect been able to play a team of All Blacks in all but name. In an effort by the NZRU to make things more fair, the Chiefs were given North Harbour and Northland, while the Blues were given Counties Manukau and Thames Valley
. By 1999, clear regional All Blacks
dominance no longer existed, so the Chiefs arranged a swap with the Blues
. North Harbour
and Northland
were "returned" to the Blues in exchange for Counties Manukau
and Thames Valley
.
Taranaki
Aaron Cruden
from Hurricanes
Michael Fitzgerald from Manawatu
Nemani Maritino from Hawke's Bay
Brodie Retallick from Hawke's Bay
Robbie Robinson
from Highlanders
Ben Tameifuna from Hawke's Bay
Asaeli Tikoirotuma from Manawatu
Kane Thompson
from Hawke's Bay
Mahonri Schwalger
from Highlanders
Sonny Bill Williams
from Crusaders
to Hurricanes
Aled de Malmanche
to
Stade Français Nathan White to Leinster
Isaac Ross
to
NTT Shining Arcs
Hayden Triggs
to Japan (club TBC) Taniela Moa
to Pau
Mike Delany
to Panasonic Wild Knights Stephen Donald
to
Bath Rugby
Dwayne Sweeney
to Kyuden Voltex
Tana Umaga
(retirement) Sitiveni Sivivatu
to Clermont
Mils Muliaina
to NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes Culum Retallick
to Highlanders
Rugby union
Rugby union, often simply referred to as rugby, is a full contact team sport which originated in England in the early 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand...
team based in Hamilton
Hamilton, New Zealand
Hamilton is the centre of New Zealand's fourth largest urban area, and Hamilton City is the country's fourth largest territorial authority. Hamilton is in the Waikato Region of the North Island, approximately south of Auckland...
, New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
. Their home ground is Waikato Stadium
Waikato Stadium
Waikato Stadium is a major sporting and cultural events venue in Hamilton, New Zealand, with a total capacity of 25,800. Four areas contribute to this capacity: The Brian Perry Stand holding 12,000, the WEL Networks Stand holding 8,000, the Goal Line Terrace holding 800 and the Greenzone can hold...
. The Chiefs play in black, red and yellow coloured jerseys. The team competes in the Super Rugby competition (known as the Super 12 from 1996 to 2005 and Super 14
Super 14
Super Rugby is the largest and pre-eminent professional Rugby union competition in the Southern Hemisphere...
from 2006-2010) and is one of the competition's five New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
sides.
Until 2004, the Chiefs were the only New Zealand side to never have qualified for the Super 12 semi-finals. In that year the Chiefs earned their first semi-final berth, and in the end achieved 4th place (defeated 37-20 in the semi-final by the ACT Brumbies). They had their best finish in 2009, making the final but finding themselves on the short end of a record 61–17 defeat by the Bulls.
History
The Chiefs were founded in 1995 for the inaugural Super 12 season in 1996. Prior to the Super 12, the Super 10 competition had been in place, which NPC teams took part in (including Waikato). In the first year of competition the Chiefs placed 6th in the overall standings, missing out on making the finals; winning 6 of their 11 regular season matches. The following season the Chiefs placed 11th, winning 4 games and losing 7. In 1998 the Chiefs performed closer to the standard of their 1996 season and placed at 7th in the final standings. In 1999 the franchise were able to do one better and claimed 6th position on the ladder but were still yet to make the Super 12 finals.In 2000 the Chiefs won 3 of their regular season games and finished in 10th place by the end of the season. The following season the team equalled their best position again - finishing 6th. In 2002 the team won 4 games and lost 7 to finish in 8th position, and the season after, 2003, fell to a 10th finish. But the season after the Chiefs won 7 regular season games and came in at 4th on the season table - claiming their first semi-final spot in their history. The Chiefs lost the semi-final against the Brumbies. In 2005 the team finished 6th. In 2006 the Super 12 expanded to the Super 14 with the addition of a new Australian and South African team. The Chiefs won 7 of their 13 games and drew once with 5 losses to come 7th. In 2009 the Chiefs made their second ever semi final, defeating the Hurricanes 14 - 10 to advance to the final for the first time. They lost the 2009 final to the Bulls by the biggest-ever margin 61-17.
Franchise area
The team represents the provincial unions of Bay of PlentyBay of Plenty Rugby Union
The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union is the official governing body for rugby union in the Bay of Plenty, in the North-East of the North Island...
, Counties Manukau
Counties Manukau Rugby Union
The Counties Manukau Rugby Football Union is the governing body of rugby union in the Franklin district of New Zealand. The Steelers colours are red, white, and black horizontal bands. The 'Steelers' moniker is a reference to the nearby Glenbrook steel factory...
, King Country
King Country Rugby Football Union
The King Country Rugby Football Union is a constituent union in the New Zealand Rugby Union. It is located in the central North Island of New Zealand...
, Thames Valley
Thames Valley Rugby Football Union
The Thames Valley Rugby Football Union is the official governing body of rugby union in the region of Thames Valley in the North Island of New Zealand...
and Waikato
Waikato Rugby Union
The Waikato Rugby Union is the official governing body of rugby union in the Waikato area in the North Island of New Zealand. Its senior representative team competes in the ITM Cup , and won the inaugural Air New Zealand Cup in 2006.Waikato Rugby Union was founded in 1921...
. Originally the Chiefs also represented North Harbour
North Harbour Rugby Union
The North Harbour Rugby Union , commonly referred to colloquially as North Harbour or simply Harbour, is a provincial rugby team which competes in the ITM Cup , the successor to the country's former domestic competition, the National Provincial Championship .-Area:Harbour Rugby encompasses a...
and Northland
Northland Rugby Union
The Northland Rugby Football Union is the governing body of rugby union in the Northland region of New Zealand.-History:Rugby was first played in Northland in the 1870s, and the first union was set up in the province in 1895, known as the Marsden Football Union. The Northland union was founded in...
, because when the Super 12 was created in 1995, a large contingent of New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
players came from Auckland
Auckland Rugby Football Union
The Auckland Rugby Football Union is the governing body of rugby union in the Auckland Region, in the North Island of New Zealand. Its colours are navy blue and white in a hoop design. Auckland's top representative team have won New Zealand's top provincial rugby competition 16 times, more than...
, North Harbour and Counties Manukau
Counties Manukau Rugby Union
The Counties Manukau Rugby Football Union is the governing body of rugby union in the Franklin district of New Zealand. The Steelers colours are red, white, and black horizontal bands. The 'Steelers' moniker is a reference to the nearby Glenbrook steel factory...
.
Had the Auckland Blues
Blues (rugby team)
Blues are a professional New Zealand rugby union team based in Auckland, New Zealand which represents the Northland, North Harbour and Auckland unions in the Super Rugby competition. Like New Zealand's four other Super Rugby sides, the Blues were established by the NZRU in 1996...
been allowed to represent Auckland, North Harbour, Counties Manukau and Northland, they would have in effect been able to play a team of All Blacks in all but name. In an effort by the NZRU to make things more fair, the Chiefs were given North Harbour and Northland, while the Blues were given Counties Manukau and Thames Valley
Thames Valley Rugby Football Union
The Thames Valley Rugby Football Union is the official governing body of rugby union in the region of Thames Valley in the North Island of New Zealand...
. By 1999, clear regional All Blacks
All Blacks
The New Zealand men's national rugby union team, known as the All Blacks, represent New Zealand in what is regarded as its national sport....
dominance no longer existed, so the Chiefs arranged a swap with the Blues
Blues (rugby team)
Blues are a professional New Zealand rugby union team based in Auckland, New Zealand which represents the Northland, North Harbour and Auckland unions in the Super Rugby competition. Like New Zealand's four other Super Rugby sides, the Blues were established by the NZRU in 1996...
. North Harbour
North Harbour Rugby Union
The North Harbour Rugby Union , commonly referred to colloquially as North Harbour or simply Harbour, is a provincial rugby team which competes in the ITM Cup , the successor to the country's former domestic competition, the National Provincial Championship .-Area:Harbour Rugby encompasses a...
and Northland
Northland Rugby Union
The Northland Rugby Football Union is the governing body of rugby union in the Northland region of New Zealand.-History:Rugby was first played in Northland in the 1870s, and the first union was set up in the province in 1895, known as the Marsden Football Union. The Northland union was founded in...
were "returned" to the Blues in exchange for Counties Manukau
Counties Manukau Rugby Union
The Counties Manukau Rugby Football Union is the governing body of rugby union in the Franklin district of New Zealand. The Steelers colours are red, white, and black horizontal bands. The 'Steelers' moniker is a reference to the nearby Glenbrook steel factory...
and Thames Valley
Thames Valley Rugby Football Union
The Thames Valley Rugby Football Union is the official governing body of rugby union in the region of Thames Valley in the North Island of New Zealand...
.
Super 12 Placings
| Super 12 Results | |||||||||||
| Year | Played | Win | Draw | Loss | PF | PA | Diff | BP | Points | Place | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 11 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 291 | 269 | +22 | 4 | 28 | 6th | |
| 1997 | 11 | 4 | 0 | 7 | 272 | 295 | -23 | 3 | 19 | 11th | |
| 1998 | 11 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 279 | 291 | -12 | 5 | 29 | 7th | |
| 1999 | 11 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 248 | 301 | -53 | 6 | 26 | 6th | |
| 2000 | 11 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 257 | 352 | -95 | 8 | 20 | 10th | |
| 2001 | 11 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 301 | 330 | -29 | 4 | 28 | 6th | |
| 2002 | 11 | 4 | 0 | 7 | 323 | 341 | -18 | 8 | 24 | 8th | |
| 2003 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 257 | 274 | -17 | 9 | 17 | 10th | |
| 2004 | 11 | 7 | 0 | 4 | 274 | 251 | +23 | 5 | 33 | 4th | Lost semi-final to Brumbies |
| 2005 | 11 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 272 | 250 | +22 | 6 | 28 | 6th | |
Super 14 Placings
| Super 14 Results | |||||||||||
| Year | Played | Win | Draw | Loss | PF | PA | Diff | BP | Points | Place | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 13 | 7 | 1 | 5 | 325 | 298 | +27 | 6 | 36 | 7th | |
| 2007 | 13 | 7 | 1 | 5 | 373 | 321 | +52 | 10 | 40 | 6th | |
| 2008 | 13 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 348 | 349 | -1 | 6 | 34 | 7th | |
| 2009 | 13 | 9 | 0 | 4 | 338 | 236 | +102 | 9 | 45 | 2nd | Lost in the final against Bulls |
| 2010 | 13 | 4 | 1 | 8 | 340 | 418 | -78 | 8 | 26 | 11th | |
2012 squad
The squad for the 2012 season:Props Ben Afeaki Shane Cleaver Toby Smith Sona Taumalolo Sona Taumalolo Sona Taumalolo is a Tongan born New Zealand-based rugby union player. He currently plays for Hawke's Bay and internationally for Tonga. His position of choice is loose-head prop. He is known for his aggressive style of play both in ball carrying and tackling.-Early life:Sona Taumalolo was born in... Ben Tameifuna Hookers Hikawera Elliot Hikawera Elliot Hikawera Elliot is a New Zealand Maori rugby union player, he currently plays for the Chiefs in the Super Rugby competition and for Hawke’s Bay in the ITM Cup.-Rugby career:... Mahonri Schwalger Mahonri Schwalger Mahonri Schwalger is a professional rugby union footballer who plays for the Chiefs in the Super Rugby competition and for Taranaki in the ITM Cup. He is also currently the captain of the Samoan national team.... Locks Craig Clarke Brodie Retallick Romana Graham Michael Fitzgerald |
Loose Forwards Fritz Lee Sam Cane Alex Bradley Tanerau Latimer Tanerau Latimer Tanerau Dylan Latimer is a New Zealand rugby union footballer who plays for the Chiefs in Super Rugby and the Bay of Plenty in the Air New Zealand Cup.-Super Rugby:... Liam Messam Liam Messam Liam Messam is a rugby union player who plays for Waikato in the ITM Cup and for the Chiefs in Super Rugby. He has also played for the New Zealand Maori in the 2006 Churchill Cup and was in the New Zealand sevens team that won gold at the 2006 Commonwealth Games... Kane Thompson Kane Thompson Kane Thompson is a rugby union player. He debuted for the Highlanders in 2006. He showed he was well capable of stepping up to the higher level and he had a strong 2006 season for Southland. In 2007 he represented Manu Samoa at the Rugby World Cup.He signs to play for the Chiefs in the 2012 Super... Scott Waldrom Scott Waldrom Scott Waldrom is a professional rugby union player from New Zealand. Scott currently plays for the Waikato Chiefs in the Super 15 and Taranaki in the ITM Cup... Half Backs Brendon Leonard Brendon Leonard Brendon Leonard is a New Zealand rugby union footballer.-Career:Leonard plays half-back and made his provincial debut for Waikato in the 2005 National Provincial Championship. He was in the Chiefs wider training group for the 2006 Super 14... Tawera Kerr-Barlow First-Fives Aaron Cruden Aaron Cruden Aaron Cruden is a World Cup winning New Zealand rugby union player, who currently plays for Manawatu Turbos in the National Provincial Championship, Chiefs in the Super 15 Competition and is an All Blacks international. Cruden's position is first five-eighth/fly-half... Andrew Horrell Andrew Horrell Andrew Horrell is a New Zealand rugby union player who represents Hawkes Bay in the ITM Cup. Horrell has signed with the Chiefs for the 2012 Super Rugby season.-2011 ITM Cup:... |
Centres Richard Kahui Richard Kahui Richard Kahui is a New Zealand rugby union footballer.-Career:Kahui plays in the position of Centre. He plays for Waikato in the Air New Zealand Cup and made his Super 14 debut in 2006 with the Highlanders. Kahui was the top try scorer of the 2006 Air New Zealand Cup... Asaeli Tikoirotuma Sonny Bill Williams Sonny Bill Williams Sonny William 'Sonny Bill' Williams is a New Zealand rugby union player and former rugby league player. He is only the second person to represent New Zealand in rugby union after first playing for the country in rugby league. In rugby union he usually plays as a centre... Jackson Willison Wingers Lelia Masaga Lelia Masaga Lelia Masaga is a professional rugby union player from New Zealand. Masaga is contracted to the Chiefs in the Super 14 where he plays for them on the wing. He is nicknamed the Flash and is also the youngest member of the team. His career was highlighted by selection for New Zealand representation... Declan O'Donnell Declan O'Donnell Declan O'Donnell, from Waikato, is a New Zealand international rugby sevens player who made his World Series debut in the 2010–11 season. He became an overnight sensation after he scored three tries for New Zealand during the final of the 2011 Wellington Sevens against England.-Biography:O'Donnell... Nemani Maritino Full Backs Robbie Robinson Robbie Robinson (rugby player) Robbie Robinson is a professional rugby union player who represents the Chiefs in the Super Rugby competition and Southland in the ITM Cup.-Playing Career:... Tim Nanai-Williams Tim Nanai-Williams Tim Nanai-Williams is a New Zealand rugby union player. He currently plays for the Chiefs in the Super Rugby competition and for Counties Manukau in the ITM Cup. He has also represented New Zealand sevens team.-Career:... |
2012 Wider Training Group
2012 Wider training group to be announced later on at the start of the season.In for 2012
Shane Cleaver from TaranakiTaranaki Rugby Union
Taranaki Rugby Football Union is the governing body of Rugby in the New Zealand province of Taranaki. The main stadium is Yarrow Stadium which is in the main centre of New Plymouth. Taranaki plays in the annual ITM Cup in which it also competes for the Ranfurly shield...
Aaron Cruden
Aaron Cruden
Aaron Cruden is a World Cup winning New Zealand rugby union player, who currently plays for Manawatu Turbos in the National Provincial Championship, Chiefs in the Super 15 Competition and is an All Blacks international. Cruden's position is first five-eighth/fly-half...
from
HurricanesHurricanes (Super rugby franchise)
The Hurricanes are a New Zealand professional Rugby union team based in Wellington that competes in the Super Rugby competition...
Michael Fitzgerald from
ManawatuManawatu Rugby Union
Manawatu Rugby Union is the governing body of the sport of Rugby union in the Manawatu rugby province. The Union is based in the city of Palmerston North but has a catchment area from nearby towns in the province, including Feilding, Rongotea, Linton, Bulls, Pahiatua, Dannevirke and...
Nemani Maritino from
Hawke's BayHawke's Bay Rugby Union
The Hawke's Bay Rugby Union is the governing body of rugby union in the Hawke's Bay region of New Zealand. The union is based in Napier.-Representative rugby:...
Brodie Retallick from
Hawke's BayHawke's Bay Rugby Union
The Hawke's Bay Rugby Union is the governing body of rugby union in the Hawke's Bay region of New Zealand. The union is based in Napier.-Representative rugby:...
Robbie Robinson
Robbie Robinson
Robbie Robinson may refer to:*Robbie Robinson , DJ on Radio Caroline and Radio Veronica during the 1960s and 1970s*Robbie Robinson Robbie Robinson may refer to:*Robbie Robinson (DJ), DJ on Radio Caroline and Radio Veronica during the 1960s and 1970s*Robbie Robinson (footballer) Robbie Robinson may...
from
HighlandersHighlanders (Super rugby franchise)
The Highlanders are a New Zealand professional rugby union team based in Dunedin that compete in Super Rugby. The franchise represents the North Otago, Otago and Southland provincial Rugby unions. The Highlanders take their name from the Scottish immigrants that helped found the Otago, North...
Ben Tameifuna from
Hawke's BayHawke's Bay Rugby Union
The Hawke's Bay Rugby Union is the governing body of rugby union in the Hawke's Bay region of New Zealand. The union is based in Napier.-Representative rugby:...
Asaeli Tikoirotuma from
ManawatuManawatu Rugby Union
Manawatu Rugby Union is the governing body of the sport of Rugby union in the Manawatu rugby province. The Union is based in the city of Palmerston North but has a catchment area from nearby towns in the province, including Feilding, Rongotea, Linton, Bulls, Pahiatua, Dannevirke and...
Kane Thompson
Kane Thompson
Kane Thompson is a rugby union player. He debuted for the Highlanders in 2006. He showed he was well capable of stepping up to the higher level and he had a strong 2006 season for Southland. In 2007 he represented Manu Samoa at the Rugby World Cup.He signs to play for the Chiefs in the 2012 Super...
from
Hawke's BayHawke's Bay Rugby Union
The Hawke's Bay Rugby Union is the governing body of rugby union in the Hawke's Bay region of New Zealand. The union is based in Napier.-Representative rugby:...
Mahonri Schwalger
Mahonri Schwalger
Mahonri Schwalger is a professional rugby union footballer who plays for the Chiefs in the Super Rugby competition and for Taranaki in the ITM Cup. He is also currently the captain of the Samoan national team....
from
HighlandersHighlanders (Super rugby franchise)
The Highlanders are a New Zealand professional rugby union team based in Dunedin that compete in Super Rugby. The franchise represents the North Otago, Otago and Southland provincial Rugby unions. The Highlanders take their name from the Scottish immigrants that helped found the Otago, North...
Sonny Bill Williams
Sonny Bill Williams
Sonny William 'Sonny Bill' Williams is a New Zealand rugby union player and former rugby league player. He is only the second person to represent New Zealand in rugby union after first playing for the country in rugby league. In rugby union he usually plays as a centre...
from
CrusadersOut for 2012
Colin Bourke to Overseas Ben MayBen May (rugby player)
-Super 14:May made his Super 14 debut for the Crusaders against the Lions in 2007, he then debuted for the Chiefs against the Blues in 2008. May signed with the Waikato Rugby Union for three years from 2009. In 2008 He was drafted to the Chiefs where he played a total of 12 games for the franchise....
to
HurricanesHurricanes (Super rugby franchise)
The Hurricanes are a New Zealand professional Rugby union team based in Wellington that competes in the Super Rugby competition...
Aled de Malmanche
Aled de Malmanche
Aled Peter de Malmanche is a New Zealand rugby union footballer. He plays at hooker for the Chiefs in the Super 14, Waikato in the Air New Zealand Cup, and the New Zealand national team, All Blacks. He can also play as a prop on both sides of the scrum...
to
Stade Français Nathan White to LeinsterLeinster Rugby
Leinster Rugby, usually referred to simply as Leinster, is an Irish professional rugby union team based in Dublin, representing the Irish province of Leinster, that competes in the RaboDirect Pro 12 and also competes in the Heineken Cup...
Isaac Ross
Isaac Ross
Isaac Ross is a New Zealand Rugby Union player who has represented New Zealand in international rugby since 2009. He currently plays for the Chiefs in the Super 14, and also plays provincial rugby for Canterbury He is the son of former All Black Jock Ross...
to
NTT Shining ArcsNTT Shining Arcs
NTT Shining Arcs RFC is a Rugby Union Team owned by NTT Communications and is part of Japan's Top League Competition. The current coach is Masato Hayashi, the previous Head Coach of Keio University Rugby Team.The team is based in Ichikawa city, Chiba....
Hayden Triggs
Hayden Triggs
Hayden Triggs is a professional rugby union player who plays at lock for the Chiefs in Super Rugby and represents Waikato in the ITM Cup.-Provincial Rugby:...
to
Japan (club TBC) Taniela MoaTaniela Moa
Taniela Moa is a rugby footballer. He currently plays rugby union for the Chiefs. He started playing for Auckland for 2 to three years but then moved to play for Bay of Plenty in the 2010 Air NZ cup competition also known as NPC or ITM cup. His main position is scrum-half but he can also play in...
to
PauSection Paloise
Section Paloise is a French rugby union club from Pau in Pyrénées-Atlantiques currently competing in Rugby Pro D2, the second level of the French league system.-History:...
Mike Delany
Mike Delany
Mike Delany is a New Zealand Rugby Union player that plays provincial rugby for the Chiefs in Super Rugby and the New Zealand national side, the All Blacks.-Career:...
to
Panasonic Wild Knights Stephen DonaldStephen Donald
Stephen Donald is a New Zealand rugby union player who plays at First five-eighth or Second five-eighth. Despite an international career that had not lived up to expectations, Donald, aka 'The Beaver', kicked the winning penalty in the IRB Rugby World Cup 2011 for New Zealand...
to
Bath RugbyBath Rugby
Bath Rugby is an English professional rugby union club that is based in the city of Bath. They play in the Aviva Premiership league...
Dwayne Sweeney
Dwayne Sweeney
Dwayne Sweeney is a New Zealand rugby union player who currently plays for the Waikato Chiefs in the Super Rugby competition and Waikato in the Air New Zealand Cup...
to
Kyuden VoltexKyuden Voltex
Kyuden Voltex is a Japanese rugby team owned by Kyushu Electric Power Co. . The nickname "Voltex" is a conflation of "Voltage" and "Techniques" and was decided after the team won promotion to the Top League. The team is based in Kashii, Fukuoka and from the 2007-8 season is playing in the...
Tana Umaga
Tana Umaga
Jonathan Ionatana Falefasa "Tana" Umaga, ONZM is a New Zealand rugby union footballer and former captain of the national team, the All Blacks. He played for the Hurricanes starting with the Super 12's inception in 1996 and took over the captaincy in 2003...
(retirement) Sitiveni Sivivatu
Sitiveni Sivivatu
Sitiveni Waica Sivivatu is a New Zealand rugby union footballer, playing on the position of a wing. He was largely successful in the 2005 Super 12 season playing for the Chiefs, and acquired a starting position in the All Blacks. He has scored 29 tries in 45 tests...
to
ClermontASM Clermont Auvergne
Association Sportive Montferrandaise Clermont Auvergne are a French rugby union club from Clermont-Ferrand in Auvergne that currently competes in Top 14, the top level of the French league system, ASMCA are the were the 2010 France Top 14 Champions. It is the rugby section of the multi-sport club...
Mils Muliaina
Mils Muliaina
Junior Malili Muliaina , better known as Mils Muliaina, is a rugby union player. He plays for the Chiefs in Super Rugby and New Zealand at international level. He was born in Salesi, Samoa, then moved with his family to Invercargill, New Zealand, at the age of two...
to
NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes Culum RetallickCulum Retallick
Culum Retallick is a professional rugby union player who plays for the Highlanders in Super Rugby and represents Bay of Plenty in the ITM Cup.-Provincial Rugby:...
to
HighlandersHighlanders (Super rugby franchise)
The Highlanders are a New Zealand professional rugby union team based in Dunedin that compete in Super Rugby. The franchise represents the North Otago, Otago and Southland provincial Rugby unions. The Highlanders take their name from the Scottish immigrants that helped found the Otago, North...
Notable players
- Sosene AnesiSosene AnesiSosene Raymond Anesi is a rugby union footballer and he plays fullback and wing.-Career:Anesi made his National Provincial Championship debut for Waikato in 2003. He played for the Chiefs in the Super 14 up until 2007. He made his All Blacks debut from the bench in 2005 against Fiji at Albany, but...
- Isaac BossIsaac BossIsaac Boss is a New Zealand–born Irish rugby union footballer. His grandmother was born in Glenarm, County Antrim, thereby qualifying him to play for Ireland. He plays scrum-half or fullback for Leinster and the Ireland national team...
- Colin Bourke
- Ben CastleBen CastleBen Castle is a British jazz musician, the son of the late television actor and entertainer Roy Castle . He placed first in the Jazz category of the 2003 International Songwriting Competition with his song "The Heckler"....
- Michael CollinsMichael Collins- Politics :* Michael Collins , Irish Labour party politician, Lord Mayor Of Dublin 1977–1978* Michael Collins , Irish revolutionary leader, soldier, and politician...
- Loki Crichton Loki CrichtonLoki Crichton is a Samoan rugby union international player. He plays as a fullback or a fly-half.-Club career:As a schoolboy he attended Auckland's Kelston Boys High School on a scholarship from Samoa, playing for their 1st XV, then moving to Counties Manukau where he played for the Manurewa Rugby...
- Simms Davison
- Aled de MalmancheAled de MalmancheAled Peter de Malmanche is a New Zealand rugby union footballer. He plays at hooker for the Chiefs in the Super 14, Waikato in the Air New Zealand Cup, and the New Zealand national team, All Blacks. He can also play as a prop on both sides of the scrum...
- Mike DelanyMike DelanyMike Delany is a New Zealand Rugby Union player that plays provincial rugby for the Chiefs in Super Rugby and the New Zealand national side, the All Blacks.-Career:...
- Stephen DonaldStephen DonaldStephen Donald is a New Zealand rugby union player who plays at First five-eighth or Second five-eighth. Despite an international career that had not lived up to expectations, Donald, aka 'The Beaver', kicked the winning penalty in the IRB Rugby World Cup 2011 for New Zealand...
- Jono GibbesJono GibbesJonathan Brian Gibbes is the forwards coach of Leinster Rugby in Ireland and former New Zealand rugby union player who captained Waikato, the Chiefs and the New Zealand Māori rugby union team, and appeared in various All Blacks teams.Gibbes traditionally plays at the position of Blindside Flanker,...
- David HillDavid Hill (rugby player)David William Hill is a rugby union player who played for Waikato in the Air New Zealand Cup and for the Chiefs in the Super 14. He played for Waikato University in the Waikato premier competition...
- Marty HolahMarty HolahMartin Rowan "Marty" Holah is a New Zealand rugby union player, who has played for Welsh regional side Ospreys, the Waikato provincial team and the Chiefs Super 14 rugby franchise. Holah was capped in 36 international test matches for the New Zealand national team, the All Blacks...
- Glen JacksonGlen Jackson (rugby player)Glen Warwick Jackson is a former New Zealand rugby union player who now serves as a referee in that sport...
- Ian JonesIan Jones (rugby player)Ian Donald Jones MNZM is a former New Zealand rugby union player. He played 79 tests for the All Blacks and is the most capped lock and formed one of the most famous lock pairings in international rugby, often partnered with Robin Brooke in the All Blacks from 1992 to 1998...
- Richard KahuiRichard KahuiRichard Kahui is a New Zealand rugby union footballer.-Career:Kahui plays in the position of Centre. He plays for Waikato in the Air New Zealand Cup and made his Super 14 debut in 2006 with the Highlanders. Kahui was the top try scorer of the 2006 Air New Zealand Cup...
- Byron KelleherByron KelleherByron Terrance Kelleher is a rugby union half-back who currently plays for Stade Francais in the French Top 14 competition, and has played over 57 tests with the New Zealand All Blacks...
- Sione LauakiSione LauakiSione Tuitupu Lauaki is a New Zealand rugby union footballer. His brother, Epalahame Lauaki, is a 2nd rower for Hull in the Super League competition and also a New Zealand international.-Early career:...
- Brendon LeonardBrendon LeonardBrendon Leonard is a New Zealand rugby union footballer.-Career:Leonard plays half-back and made his provincial debut for Waikato in the 2005 National Provincial Championship. He was in the Chiefs wider training group for the 2006 Super 14...
- Walter LittleWalter Little (rugby player)Walter Little is a former New Zealand rugby player. He played in the second five-eighth position for and for North Harbour. He was known for his combination with Frank Bunce.- External links :...
- Jonah LomuJonah LomuJonah Tali Lomu, MNZM is a New Zealand rugby union player. He had sixty-three caps as an All Black after debuting in 1994. He is generally regarded as the first true global superstar of rugby union. He has had a huge impact on the game...
- Keith Lowen
- Taniela MoaTaniela MoaTaniela Moa is a rugby footballer. He currently plays rugby union for the Chiefs. He started playing for Auckland for 2 to three years but then moved to play for Bay of Plenty in the 2010 Air NZ cup competition also known as NPC or ITM cup. His main position is scrum-half but he can also play in...
- Mils MuliainaMils MuliainaJunior Malili Muliaina , better known as Mils Muliaina, is a rugby union player. He plays for the Chiefs in Super Rugby and New Zealand at international level. He was born in Salesi, Samoa, then moved with his family to Invercargill, New Zealand, at the age of two...
- Caleb RalphCaleb RalphCaleb Stan Ralph is a New Zealand rugby union footballer. Ralph began his first-class career with Bay of Plenty, then moved to Auckland before heading to Canterbury. He started his Super Rugby career with the Chiefs in 1997, Blues , Crusaders and a cameo role with the Queensland Reds...
- Mark Ranby
- Bruce ReihanaBruce ReihanaBruce Trevor Reihana is a New Zealand rugby union footballer. He is an utility back and currently plays professional rugby for Union Bordeaux Bègles....
- Keith RobinsonKeith RobinsonKeith Robinson is an American stand-up comedian best known as a regular on Comedy Central's Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn. He has appeared on the Opie and Anthony show. He has had his own half-hour stand-up special as part of the series. He has several stories about his life in Philadelphia and his...
- Mark Robinson
- Sitiveni SivivatuSitiveni SivivatuSitiveni Waica Sivivatu is a New Zealand rugby union footballer, playing on the position of a wing. He was largely successful in the 2005 Super 12 season playing for the Chiefs, and acquired a starting position in the All Blacks. He has scored 29 tries in 45 tests...
- Dwayne SweeneyDwayne SweeneyDwayne Sweeney is a New Zealand rugby union player who currently plays for the Waikato Chiefs in the Super Rugby competition and Waikato in the Air New Zealand Cup...
- Sailosi TagicakibauSailosi TagicakibauSailosi Tagicakibau is a rugby union footballer who plays at Wing for London Irish.-Early years:Prior to competing in professional rugby, he attended Papakura High and Wesley College....
- Tana UmagaTana UmagaJonathan Ionatana Falefasa "Tana" Umaga, ONZM is a New Zealand rugby union footballer and former captain of the national team, the All Blacks. He played for the Hurricanes starting with the Super 12's inception in 1996 and took over the captaincy in 2003...
- Sonny Bill WilliamsSonny Bill WilliamsSonny William 'Sonny Bill' Williams is a New Zealand rugby union player and former rugby league player. He is only the second person to represent New Zealand in rugby union after first playing for the country in rugby league. In rugby union he usually plays as a centre...
Coaches: 1996 - Present
- Brad Meurant (1996 - 1997)
- Ross Cooper (1998 - 2000)
- John Mitchell (2001)
- Kevin Greene (2002 - 2003)
- Ian Foster (2004 - 2011)
- Dave Rennie (2012 -
Captains: 1996 - Present
- Richard TurnerRichard TurnerRichard Turner may refer to:* Richard Turner , English Protestant reformer and Marian exile* Richard Turner * Richard Turner , card technician and poker player...
(1996) - Ian Jones (1997)
- Errol BrainErrol BrainErrol F. Brain is a former New Zealand rugby union player and a current coach. He played as back-row.Brain had more than 100 caps for Counties Manukau. He played for Auckland Blues and Waikato Chiefs , in New Zealand, and Valence d'Agen , in France...
(1998) - Michael CollinsMichael Collins- Politics :* Michael Collins , Irish Labour party politician, Lord Mayor Of Dublin 1977–1978* Michael Collins , Irish revolutionary leader, soldier, and politician...
(1999) - Glenn Taylor (2000)
- Deon Muir (2001 - 2002)
- Jono GibbesJono GibbesJonathan Brian Gibbes is the forwards coach of Leinster Rugby in Ireland and former New Zealand rugby union player who captained Waikato, the Chiefs and the New Zealand Māori rugby union team, and appeared in various All Blacks teams.Gibbes traditionally plays at the position of Blindside Flanker,...
(2002 - 2008) - Mils MuliainaMils MuliainaJunior Malili Muliaina , better known as Mils Muliaina, is a rugby union player. He plays for the Chiefs in Super Rugby and New Zealand at international level. He was born in Salesi, Samoa, then moved with his family to Invercargill, New Zealand, at the age of two...
(2008 - 2010) - Liam MessamLiam MessamLiam Messam is a rugby union player who plays for Waikato in the ITM Cup and for the Chiefs in Super Rugby. He has also played for the New Zealand Maori in the 2006 Churchill Cup and was in the New Zealand sevens team that won gold at the 2006 Commonwealth Games...
(2010 - present)