Chiefs 2025

[Bovidae]

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.

[Mauss]

@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.

[Bovidae]

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.

[Mr Fish]

Sanirevi probably appeals given he already knows a lot of the Chiefs' systems. Otherwise a guy like Coltman or even Rhys Marshall (is he still running around somewhere?) wouldn't be a bad shout.

[gt12]

I don't have that much hope for this year (hard draw, we'll be missing ST for significant time), but if Rhys Marshall is the solution, we're in much deeper shit that I thought.

[frugby]

Considering the Blues have signed James Mullan, one would think Ioane Moananu has already been snapped up by either Moana Pasifika or the Chiefs?

[cgrant]

I would take Kolose. He is a big, hard carrying hooker. Throwing might be an issue but this could be worked on.

[Trig]

Kauvaka Kaivelata off to Japan

[Mr Fish]

@Trig said in Chiefs 2025:

Kauvaka Kaivelata off to Japan

That's a surprise!

[Bovidae]

Hmmm....maybe a similar deal to Trask to let him get more experience and regular game time before returning.

[Canes4life]

@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.

[gt12]

Kobe Steelers, announcement here.

Seems to be only a one year contract. Nothing about going back to the Chiefs.

He is a 'B' category player so could become eligible for Japan.

His intro mentions 'new chapter'...

[Daffy Jaffy]

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+

[ARHS]

2 questions.

1. Taniwha????? Why that name?
2. Why on earth release it at this time - several months after the season has finished?

[Yeetyaah]

The worst part is that the blurb says "Waikato Chiefs" like they didn't drop that name in 1998

[Mr Fish]

I've seen some of the first episode, it was interesting. I think it will be a decent watch for die-hard Chiefs fans but not sure about the wider appeal. Always tough when the season doesn't end on a high note.

[Yeetyaah]

I'm hearing Brodie McAlister to the Chiefs.

[Chris]

@Yeetyaah said in Chiefs 2025:

I'm hearing Brodie McAlister to the Chiefs.

He is signed with the Crusaders for 2025 unless the contract has been mutually terminated.

[Mr Fish]

@Yeetyaah said in Chiefs 2025:

I'm hearing Brodie McAlister to the Chiefs.

Would be a huge signing for the Chiefs. A one-year temporary deal to cover for Taukei'aho's absence would make sense for both the Chiefs and Crusaders.

[Yeetyaah]

@Mr-Fish Taukei'aho is back next year, he'd purely be a bench option.