2022 Gallagher Chiefs Co-Captain's announced
The Gallagher Chiefs have confirmed halfback Brad Weber and loose forward Sam Cane will continue their duties as Co-Captains for the Gallagher Chiefs in 2022.
31-year-old Weber debuted for the Gallagher Chiefs in 2014 and established himself as the club’s first choice halfback. His strong leadership skills were on show in 2021, leading the team into the Super Rugby Aotearoa Final against the Crusaders in Christchurch. 2021 was his first year officially holding the captaincy title alongside Cane. Weber currently sits on 98 matches for the Gallagher Chiefs and is approaching his 100th for the club, which would make him the eighth player to reach the milestone of a ‘Chiefs Centurion’.
30-year-old Cane first captained the Gallagher Chiefs in 2016. Since being awarded the captaincy, Cane has captained alongside Aaron Cruden, Charlie Ngatai, Brodie Retallick and Brad Weber. The loose forward is widely acknowledged for his leadership abilities and was awarded the All Blacks captaincy in 2020.
Co-Captain Weber has his sights set on going one better than making the 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa final and looks forward to captaining alongside Cane.
"I’m really looking forward to leading the team with Sam again this season, he’s a top man that I love working alongside. We, along with the rest of the leadership group are ready to lead us to go one better this year." said Weber.
Gallagher Chiefs Centurion Cane is honoured to co-captain again with Weber and looks forward to a big season ahead.
“I am really looking forward to the Super Rugby Pacific competition. We have a quality squad and quality coaching group. We have a great mix of experience and exciting young talent and I am honoured to be asked to co-captain the Gallagher Chiefs again with my good mate Brad. It’s a big season ahead and we can’t wait to rip in.” said Cane.
Gallagher Chiefs Head Coach Clayton McMillan is confident in Weber’s leadership abilities after taking the role in 2021.
“Brad is respected immensely in our team and his experience is invaluable. He did a great job leading the team last season especially in Sam’s absence. I have every confidence in his leadership abilities again this season to help lead us to another final.” said McMillan.
McMillan states that Cane is a real asset to the squad and the two co-captains complement each other well.
“Sam is a true Gallagher Chiefs man through and through and has already given a huge amount to our club and jersey. He is a real asset to our squad and has a lengthy history of displaying world class leadership. We believe both Brad and Sam will complement each other well and have a great rapport with both players and coaches.” said McMillan.
The Gallagher Chiefs first match of the 2022 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season is against the Highlanders on February 19th, kicking off at 4.35pm at the Queenstown Recreation Centre (Wakatipu Rugby Club).