History
THE HISTORY OF THE CHIEFS
Franchise History
The Chiefs Super 12 franchise was established in 1995, with the first games played in 1996, this year being the first year of the Super 12 competition. Prior to this the Super 10 competition had been up and running involving a number of New Zealand Provincial Union teams (Waikato being one of these), Australian State teams (2), 
top three South African Provinces and some International Teams (Western Samoa).
The original member rugby unions of the Chiefs Super 12 franchise in 1996 were Waikato, Bay of Plenty, King Country, North Harbour, Northland, Thames Valley.
Over the next three years the franchise boundaries changed a number of times. North Harbour and Northland eventually became part of the Blues franchise. Thames Valley also spent a year affiliated with the Blues but came back to be part of the Chiefs franchise.Counties Manukau joined the Chiefs in 1999.
The current member rugby unions of the Chiefs Super 14 franchise are Waikato, Bay of Plenty, King Country, Thames Valley and Counties Manukau.
The Chiefs name is linked to the area that the franchise is based in - Waikato predominately. This was the heart of the Kingitanga movement in the 1880's that lead to the creation of the Maori King. As such this area is steeped in Maori history (Turangawaewae Marae is just down the road).
The Chiefs logo depicts a Maori Chief. It is a generic warrior that represents the history of the Chiefs region and he is holding a 'patu' or handheld club.
Playing Record
The Chiefs highest placing in the Super 12/14 competition was second in 2009 when the Chiefs were finalists against the Bulls in Pretoria. The Chiefs made the semi-finals for the first time in 2004, then achieved the same in 2009 going one step forward that season and making the final.
The Chiefs achieved sixth placing four times in the competition, first in 1996, then in 1999, later in 2001, in 2005 and most recently in 2007.
Coaches & Captains
The Chiefs have seen a number of coaches and captains in the ten year history of the Super 14 competition. Listed below are the coaches and captains from 1996 up until the completion of the original 12 team format in 2005 and from the instigation of the Super 14 competition.
| Year | Coach & Assistant Coach | Placing | Captain |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Brad Meurant & Sid Going | 6th | Richard Turner |
| 1997 | Brad Meurant & John Boe | 11th | Ian Jones |
| 1998 | Ross Cooper & Matt Te Pou | 7th | Errol Brain |
| 1999 | Ross Cooper & Matt Te Pou | 6th | Michael Collins |
| 2000 | Ross Cooper & Kevin Greene | 10th | Glenn Taylor |
| 2001 | John Mitchell & Kevin Greene | 6th | Deon Muir |
| 2002 | Kevin Greene & Dennis Brown | 8th | Deon Muir |
| 2003 | Kevin Greene & Dennis Brown | 10th | Jono Gibbes |
| 2004 | Ian Foster & Farrell Temata | 4th | Jono Gibbes |
| 2005 | Ian Foster & Farrell Temata | 6th | Jono Gibbes |
| 2006 | Ian Foster & Farrell Temata | 7th | Jono Gibbes |
| 2007 | Ian Foster & Warren Gatland | 6th | Jono Gibbes |
| 2008 | Ian Foster & Craig Stevenson | Jono Gibbes |
Click here to see who has been a member of the Chiefs in past seasons.
