Chiefs 2025
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I think you'll find it is more likely Kolose is signed by nobody. Contracts these days are largely locked in before the NPC starts, particularly in positions where there isn't a lot of depth.
Sure, but McMillan would have known if Thompson is leaving so plans would have to be in place before the SR season ended. As I've said previously, Kolose is in the Chiefs system (playing for the Dev team), and would be a signing for the future. Sanerivi is closer in age to Taukei’aho and Slater. We'll find out soon enough.
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@Bovidae said in Chiefs 2025:
I think you'll find it is more likely Kolose is signed by nobody. Contracts these days are largely locked in before the NPC starts, particularly in positions where there isn't a lot of depth.
Sure, but McMillan would have known if Thompson is leaving so plans would have to be in place before the SR season ended. As I've said previously, Kolose is in the Chiefs system (playing for the Dev team), and would be a signing for the future. Sanerivi is closer in age to Taukei’aho and Slater. We'll find out soon enough.
Oh, I was more meaning for the Blues. I think it is entirely possible that Thompson's contract future was still up in the air, meaning the Chiefs were happy to wait to test the open market - particularly as in Slater and Taukei'aho they already have two good options. Wouldn't be surprised to see Kolose pop up.
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Not the news I was hoping for. Obviously ST was very optimistic in aiming to be fit for the EOYT.
Injured All Blacks hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho will not likely be seen back on the park until several rounds into the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season. While the All Blacks noted last week the 30-test rep was done for the year, Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan confirmed to the Waikato Times that it was a ruptured achilles tendon which the 27-year-old had suffered in the semifinal win over the Hurricanes in Wellington on June 15. And, with next year’s competition kicking off on February 15, that’s still a month shy of the typical recovery timeframe laid out for that injury.
McMillan also confirms that Thompson won't be back, and that they are exploring options at hooker. The Chiefs will need to contract two hookers, one to replace Thompson and another as injury cover for Taukei’aho.
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@Bovidae Really unfortunate news, hopefully he makes a full recovery.
Looking at the NPC squad lists, there don't seem to be a lot of options at hooker which aren't already signed to a Super side. Kolose should take one of the slots. If the Highlanders already have Bell, Taylor and Vikena signed, the Chiefs should inquire whether Coltman would be interested in coming up north. He's been good for Otago.
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@Bovidae said in Chiefs 2025:
I guess their choices will depend on whether they want another experienced hooker in the interim. There might be one from the Hurricanes region available (e.g., Kereru-Symes).
It puts a lot of pressure on Slater to stay injury-free.
The Hurricanes currently have Aumua, O'Reilly, Devery, Tuputupu and Bason, as well as Keruru-Symes. Aumua is the only one signed for 2025 so far so only a further two of them will get contracts for 2025. There are a few options at hooker.
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This info about an upcoming series arrived in a TVNZ+ email, in case you Chiefs fans weren't aware -
Taniwha Unleashed: Inside The Chiefs Rugby Club
For the first time, the mighty Waikato Chiefs let the cameras in for a unique behind the scenes look at the club that's a breeding ground for international rugby superstars including All Black Damian McKenzie and Black Fern Ruby Tui.Full season available Thursday 28 November 8am on TVNZ+
