2018 SQUAD GUIDE 1 I CHIEFS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

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1 2018 SQUAD GUIDE 1 I CHIEFS SUPER RUGBY 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),

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

2 COLIN COOPER Head Coach Head Coach - Maori All Blacks ( ), Port Taranaki Bulls ( , 2014 ITM Cup Premiership Winners, Ranfurly Shield 2011, 2017) New Zealand Under 21 s (2001), Taranaki ( ), Hurricanes ( ) Co-Coach, New Zealand Junior All Blacks ( ), 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 Cooper maintained a superb record with the Maori All Blacks against international sides and led the side in the DHL NZ Lion Series ANDREW STRAWBRIDGE Assistant Coach Blues Development Chiefs Development 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 Strawbridge played his rugby in the Waikato from He won the NPC with the side in 1992 and the Ranfurly Shield in Strawbridge was involved with the Chiefs in 2001 as a kicking coach until he became Assistant Coach at North Harbour in He assisted with the New Zealand Under 20 in 2008 and 2009 winning the World Championship titles in both years. NEIL BARNES Assistant Coach Chiefs Assistant Coach (2015-) Canadian Forwards Coach ( ), Taranaki Assistant Coach ( , 2008) Hurricanes U23 s Assistant Coach (2001) New Plymouth Old Boys ( , 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. 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 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 Coach Bath Head Coach ( ), Fiji Attack Coach (2015), Crusaders Assistant Coach ( ), Canterbury Head Coach (2012), Canterbury Assistant Coach ( ) 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 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. 2 I CHIEFS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

3 SOLOMON ALAIMALO MICHAEL ALLARDICE DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.96m, 99kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 2.00m, 112kg POSITION: Fullback POSITION: Lock 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 SUPER GAMES: 20 SUPER POINTS: 0 SUPER DEBUT: 2015 v Highlanders at Hamilton 2017 PROVINCE: Hawke s Bay PROVINCIAL GAMES: 42 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 20 (4t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Auckland (Canterbury) at Christchurch 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. COACHES SAY: A former New Zealand Schools and Universities representative, Allardice returned from injury to acquire valuable game time in Part of the Chiefs team in 2016 which impressively beat Wales. TYLER ARDRON DOMINIC BIRD DATE OF BIRTH: POSITION: Loose forward SUPER GAMES: uncapped PHYSICAL 1.94m, 110kg SUPER POINTS: N/A DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 2.06m, 112kg POSITION: Lock SUPER GAMES: 57 SUPER POINTS: 15 (3t) SUPER DEBUT: 2013 v Blues at Auckland 2017 PROVINCE: Bay of Plenty PROVINCIAL GAMES: 6 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 5 (1t) 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 PROVINCE: Canterbury PROVINCIAL GAMES: 51 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 25 (5t) 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 His mobility complements the strong Chiefs forward pack alongside powerhouse team mate Brodie Retallick. 3 I CHIEFS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

4 LACHLAN BOSHIER MITCHELL BROWN DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.91m, 104kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.94m, 110kg POSITION: Loose forward SUPER GAMES: 17 SUPER POINTS: 15 (3t) SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Sharks (Chiefs) at New Plymouth PROVINCIAL GAMES: 26 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 30 (6t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Canterbury at New Plymouth POSITION: Lock/Loose forward SUPER GAMES: 16 SUPER POINTS: 5 (1t) SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Crusaders (Chiefs) at Suva PROVINCIAL GAMES: 27 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 0 PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v King Country at Inglewood 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. 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 SAM CANE JOHNNY FA AULI DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.89m, 106kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.80m, 103kg POSITION: Loose forward SUPER GAMES: 95 SUPER POINTS: 60 (12t) SUPER DEBUT: 2011 v Lions at Johannesburg 2017 PROVINCE: Bay of Plenty PROVINCIAL GAMES: 19 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 25 (5t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v Auckland at Mt Maunganui POSITION: Midfield back SUPER GAMES: 5 SUPER POINTS: 5 (1t) SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Highlanders at Dunedin PROVINCIAL GAMES: 16 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 20 (4t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Bay of Plenty at Tauranga TEST CAPS 50 TEST POINTS 60 (12t) 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. 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 I CHIEFS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

5 TIAAN FALCON MITCHELL GRAHAM DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.81m, 90kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.87m, 122kg POSITION: First five eighth POSITION: Prop SUPER GAMES: uncapped SUPER POINTS: N/A SUPER GAMES: 25 SUPER POINTS: 5 (1t) SUPER DEBUT: 2015 v Crusaders at Hamilton 2017 PROVINCE: Hawke s Bay PROVINCIAL GAMES: 19 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 14 (1t, 3c, 1p) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Wellington at Napier PROVINCIAL GAMES: 44 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 5 (1t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v Manawatu (Canterbury) at Christchurch 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. 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 KANE HAMES DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.80m, 113kg POSITION: Prop SUPER GAMES: 36 SUPER POINTS: 15 (3t) SUPER DEBUT: 2014 v Blues (Highlanders) at Dunedin 2017 PROVINCE: Tasman PROVINCIAL GAMES: 26 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 10 (2t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v Otago (Bay of Plenty) at Dunedin TEST CAPS 6 TEST POINTS 0 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 NATHAN HARRIS DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.86m, 110kg POSITION: Hooker SUPER GAMES: 46 SUPER POINTS: 25 (5t) SUPER DEBUT: 2014 v Crusaders at Christchurch 2017 PROVINCE: Bay of Plenty PROVINCIAL GAMES: 28 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 5 (1t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Otago at Rotorua TEST CAPS 9 TEST POINTS 10 (2t) 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 I CHIEFS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

6 FIN HOEATA LUKE JACOBSON DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.99m, 109kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.91m, 107kg POSITION: Lock POSITION: Loose forward SUPER GAMES: uncapped SUPER POINTS: N/A SUPER GAMES: uncapped SUPER POINTS: N/A PROVINCIAL GAMES: 10 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 0 PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2017 v Wellington at Wellington PROVINCIAL GAMES: 10 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 0 PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2017 v Taranaki at New Plymouth 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. 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 DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.85m, 101kg POSITION: Loose forward SUPER GAMES: 6 SUPER POINTS: 0 SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Highlanders at Dunedin 2017 PROVINCE: Bay of Plenty PROVINCIAL GAMES: 16 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 20 (4t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Taranaki (Auckland) at Auckland SOSEFO KAUTAI DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.89m, 133kg POSITION: Prop SUPER GAMES: 4 SUPER POINTS: 0 SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Stormers at Cape Town PROVINCIAL GAMES: 20 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 5 (1t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v King Country at Matamata 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 hardworking loose forward, he will be looking to make a big impact on the field. 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. 6 I CHIEFS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

7 NEPO LAULALA ANTON LIENERT-BROWN DATE OF BIRTH: POSITION: Prop PHYSICAL 1.84m, 116kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.85m, 94kg POSITION: Second five eighth SUPER GAMES: 47 SUPER POINTS: 5 (1t) SUPER DEBUT: 2013 v Chiefs at Hamilton 2017 PROVINCE: Canterbury PROVINCIAL GAMES: 44 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 5 (1t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2011 v North Otago at Christchurch TEST CAPS 10 TEST POINTS 0 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. SUPER GAMES: 39 SUPER POINTS: 5 (1t) SUPER DEBUT: 2014 v Bulls at Pretoria PROVINCIAL GAMES: 19 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 20 (4t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Wellington at Wellington TEST CAPS 19 TEST POINTS 20 (4t) 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 DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.75m, 80kg 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) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Wellington at Wellington MARTY MCKENZIE DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.83m, 85kg 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 CAPS 9 TEST POINTS 20 (4t) 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 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. 7 I CHIEFS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

8 SAM MCNICOL DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.85m, 94kg POSITION: Wing SUPER GAMES: 18 SUPER POINTS: 10 (2t) SUPER DEBUT: 2015 v Chiefs (Hurricanes) at New Plymouth 2017 PROVINCE: Hawke s Bay PROVINCIAL GAMES: 9 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 5 (1t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Bay of Plenty (Wellington) at Mt Maunganui COACHES SAY: A versatile back with a booming left boot, we are excited to see Sam further develop in his role in LIAM MESSAM DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.90m, 109kg POSITION: Loose forward SUPER GAMES: 161 SUPER POINTS: 160 (32t) SUPER DEBUT: 2006 v Sharks at Durban PROVINCIAL GAMES: 85 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 148 (29t, 1d) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2003 v Italy at Hamilton TEST CAPS 43 TEST POINTS 30 (6t) 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 DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.88m, 124kg POSITION: Prop SUPER GAMES: 26 SUPER POINTS: 10 (2t) SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Kings at Port Elizabeth PROVINCIAL GAMES: 18 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 10 (2t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Tasman at Hamilton 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 TIM NANAI-WILLIAMS DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.82m, 87kg 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 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. 8 I CHIEFS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

9 ALEX NANKIVELL CHARLIE NGATAI DATE OF BIRTH: POSITION: Midfield back PHYSICAL 1.88m, 98kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.86m, 100kg POSITION: Midfield back SUPER GAMES: 4 SUPER POINTS: 0 SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Stormers at Cape Town 2017 PROVINCE: Tasman PROVINCIAL GAMES: 27 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 30 (6t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Waikato at Hamilton 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. SUPER GAMES: 55 SUPER POINTS: 90 (18t) 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) TEST CAPS 1 TEST POINTS 0 TEST DEBUT 2015 v Samoa at Apia COACHES SAY: An immensely talented player, Charlie will be looking forward to regular game time in A huge presence in the Chiefs backline, Charlie plays with great intelligence and decision making. LIAM POLWART TONI PULU DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.85m, 107kg POSITION: Hooker DATE OF BIRTH: POSITION: Wing PHYSICAL 1.84m, 93kg SUPER GAMES: uncappedsuper POINTS: N/A 2017 PROVINCE: Bay of Plenty PROVINCIAL GAMES: 13 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 0 PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Taranaki at Tauranga SUPER GAMES: 20 SUPER POINTS: 50 (10t) SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Force at Hamilton 2017 PROVINCE: Counties Manukau PROVINCIAL GAMES: 44 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 50 (10t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Southland at Pukekohe 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 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. 9 I CHIEFS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

10 BRODIE RETALLICK AIDAN ROSS DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 2.04m, 120kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.89m, 111kg POSITION: Lock POSITION: Prop SUPER GAMES: 85 SUPER POINTS: 40 (8t) SUPER DEBUT: 2012 v Highlanders at Hamilton 2017 PROVINCE: Hawke s Bay PROVINCIAL GAMES: 12 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 5 (1t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v Auckland at Auckland SUPER GAMES: 5 SUPER POINTS: 0 SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Force at Perth 2017 PROVINCE: Bay of Plenty PROVINCIAL GAMES: 23 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 10 (2t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Tasman at Nelson TEST CAPS 68 TEST POINTS 15 (3t) 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. 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 SHAUN STEVENSON DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 2.02m, 109kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.90m, 90kg POSITION: Lock/Loose forward SUPER GAMES: 28 SUPER POINTS: 10 (2t) SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Crusaders at Christchurch 2017 PROVINCE: Auckland PROVINCIAL GAMES: 21 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 25 (5t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Southland at Invercargill POSITION: Fullback SUPER GAMES: 23 SUPER POINTS: 30 (6t) SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Crusaders at Christchurch 2017 PROVINCE: North Harbour PROVINCIAL GAMES: 22 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 55 (11t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Tasman (Waikato) at Hamilton 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 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 I CHIEFS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

11 TE TOIROA TAHURIORANGI BRAD WEBER DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.74m, 85kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.72m, 75kg POSITION: Halfback POSITION: Halfback SUPER GAMES: 10 SUPER POINTS: 0 SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Kings at Port Elizabeth PROVINCIAL GAMES: 31 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 15 (3t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Wellington at New Plymouth SUPER GAMES: 41 SUPER POINTS: 30 (6t) SUPER DEBUT: 2014 v Crusaders at Christchurch 2017 PROVINCE: Hawke s Bay PROVINCIAL GAMES: 52 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 77 (15t, 1c) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Southland (Otago) at Balclutha TEST CAPS 1 TEST POINTS 0 TEST DEBUT 2015 v Samoa at Apia 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. 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. REGAN VERNEY SAMISONI TAUKEI AHO DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.82m, 93kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.83m, 115kg POSITION: Midfield POSITION: Hooker SUPER GAMES: uncapped SUPER POINTS: N/A 2017 PROVINCE: Wellington PROVINCIAL GAMES: 11 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 20 (4t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2017 v Manawatu at Palmerston North SUPER GAMES: 2 SUPER POINTS: 0 SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Highlanders at Dunedin PROVINCIAL GAMES: 11 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 15 (3t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Thames Valley at Paeroa 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. COACHES SAY: Samisoni impressed as a squad replacement player and was part of the winning Brisbane Global Rugby Tens side in A front rower with big potential. 11 I CHIEFS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

12 LEVI AUMUA JONATHAN TAUMATEINE DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.85m, 118kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.78m, 90kg POSITION: Outside back POSITION: Halfback SUPER GAMES: uncapped SUPER POINTS: N/A 2017 PROVINCE: Tasman PROVINCIAL GAMES: 6 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 10 (2t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2017 v Canterbury at Nelson SUPER GAMES: 6 SUPER POINTS: 0 SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Highlanders at Dunedin 2017 PROVINCE: Counties Manukau PROVINCIAL GAMES: 10 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 10 (2t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v North Harbour at Albany COACHES SAY: A damaging backline weapon, Aumua s versatility will provide our backline with great options in 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. 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 I CHIEFS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

2018 SQUAD GUIDE 1 I CRUSDAERS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

2018 SQUAD GUIDE 1 I CRUSDAERS 2017 - SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE SCOTT ROBERTSON Head Coach Former Crusaders, Canterbury and All Blacks loose forward Scott Robertson returns in 2018 to lead the BNZ Crusaders