Chiefs Manawa and University of Waikato extend partnership

The Chiefs Manawa are proud to have extended their partnership with the University of Waikato, with the University signing on to support the team for the Sky Super Rugby Aupiki competition until 2026. They will continue their partnership with the Gallagher Chiefs and the University of Waikato Chiefs U20s in their respective competitions too.

As partners of the Chiefs Manawa the University of Waikato will assist with the growth of women’s rugby as well as benefitting player development by creating opportunities for after rugby.

Chiefs Rugby Club CEO Simon Graafhuis said: “It’s great to continue this long-standing partnership with the University of Waikato. We have many aligned values and are both striving to make not just better athletes, but better people when they move on from our environment.

“We want to keep striving for more women in rugby and are grateful for the University of Waikato extending their support to our Chiefs Manawa.”

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alister Jones said: “The University of Waikato are proud to be partnering with Chiefs Rugby and supporting the Chiefs Manawa team, to help high performance athletes prepare and plan a pathway after their professional sporting careers.

“This partnership has been well-established and has a focus in many different areas including research, student experience, internships and player development and pathways. We are also proud to be supporting the Chiefs Manawa team and all the work going on behind the scenes to grow women’s rugby.”

The University of Waikato will feature on the back of the Chiefs Manawa jerseys for this season to acknowledge their collaboration with the team.