December 16, 2019

Gallagher Chiefs welcome replacement players from Chiefs regions

The Gallagher Chiefs are now into the third week of their pre-season campaign. Joining them for their campaign are eight replacement players.

The eight players have been recruited from within the Chiefs provincial regions to cover the 2019 Rugby World Cup All Blacks away on leave.

The bulk of the replacement players on hand are providing cover for the Gallagher Chiefs forward pack. Bay of Plenty prop Ross Geldenhuys is joined by Waikato props Robb Cobb and Ollie Norris, along with Counties Manukau hooker Donald Maka to cover the front row. Taranaki pairing of Josh Lord and Tom Florence have ably provided loose forward cover, who are joined by Taranaki teammate Tupou Vaa’i.

Bay of Plenty halfback Leroy Carter is the only back to feature in the eight players present in the Gallagher Chiefs pre-season campaign.

Gallagher Chiefs Head Coach Warren Gatland said it was excellent to have the group of replacement players on board.

“We are pleased to have this group of young men from within our regions with us for our pre-season campaign. They have all been working hard and are a competitive bunch, which is great to see.”

Gatland added, “We may need to call on these guys during the year, to have them involved now allows them to become familiar with the players, management and staff.”

The Gallagher Chiefs kick-off their 2020 Investec Super Rugby season on Friday 31 January against the Blues at Eden Park. Fans will get to see the Gallagher Chiefs in action in their only pre-season match against the Blues in Waihi on Friday 17 January. Tickets are available for purchase now from: www.chiefs.co.nz/tickets

Gallagher Chiefs welcome replacement players from Chiefs regions