13 December 2011 Back to Latest News

As part of a team building exercise the Investec Super Rugby Chiefs team relied on the goodwill of the people of the Chiefs region to help them get from Hamilton to Ohope for their team training camp and they were not disappointed.

Photo courtesy of The Daily Post

The Chiefs players gathered at St Paul’s Collegiate Pavilion in Hamilton on Monday at 7.30am and much to their surprise they had their bags and wallets taken off them, were issued with $10 and told to make their own way to Ohope Top 10 Holiday Park.

They players were issued a set of rules and challenges to be completed along their journey which included having their photos taken with a BNZ bank teller and piggy bank and finding the best $10 meal.  Players were also required to take a series of photos and film their challenges as evidence of completing their tasks.  The players presented their footage last night in a highly comical evening.

Dave Rennie said “We would like to thank the public for helping the boys get to their destination and the generosity with transport and meals. 

It was a great opportunity for our players to exhibit leadership, initiative and resourcefulness, while connecting with the wider community. They had some great experiences and meet some wonderful people on their journey. “

The first players to arrive were Declan O’Donnell and Mike Fitzgerald who arrived at 2pm.  The last players arrived at 5pm with some going via Rotorua.

Robbie Robinson tweeted that he had managed to nab a ride all the way to Whakatane before Liam Messam tweeted back that needed to read the rules and you couldn’t do that.

Chiefs’ fans enjoyed the players tweeting their escapades with one of the highlights including the players being picked up by a Chef at Karapiro who cooked the players a meal in his restaurant.

All Black Aaron Cruden enjoyed his first day with his new franchise and acknowledged that the new Chiefs coach was big on team building.  Cruden said “After working with Dave for a few years, I knew that he and the Chiefs management would have some tricks up their sleeve, but I wasn’t sure what they would be.  This was great fun and a great way to get to know some of the Chiefs region”. 

The players all presented the proof that they had completed the challenges to their team mates at a presentation last night.  

During the week long camp the public are invited to attend the Chiefs open training session at Whakatane Rugby Club on Thursday 15 December from 11.30 – 1.00pm where players will be available to sign autographs.  The entire squad will also be running a Coaching Clinic for a group of 200 invited young players at Rex Morpeth Park later in the day from 3.30pm till 5.30pm.

On Friday 16December at 11.30am the public are again invited to take part in a fun run to the top of the hill at Popular Lane, Papamoa Hills Regional Park with the Chiefs players where a group photo will be taken. 

To view photos click here.