Local talent earns opportunity with Gallagher Chiefs

The Gallagher Chiefs last week began their preseason training with the addition of five future stars on National Development Contracts (NDC).

The New Zealand Rugby (NZR) initiative of NDC contracts allows promising young players to be immersed in the professional rugby environment for the DHL Super Rugby Pacific season.

Taranaki lock Fiti Sa returns for his second season on an NDC contract with the Gallagher Chiefs, alongside newcomers from Waikato and Bay of Plenty; loose forward Oli Mathis, midfielder Aki Tuivailala, prop Will Martin, and lock/loose forward Aisake Vakasioula.

Chiefs Rugby Club Head of Pathways Kent Currie said: “We welcome four new NDC players into the Chiefs training environment this season. Throughout their journey along the Chiefs Development Pathway, all four homegrown Chiefs region players have displayed attributes and values that align with being a great Chief.

“After Fiti’s disjointed year due to injury, we’re glad to have him back with us for the coming season. It’s a wonderful opportunity for these men to enhance their development, both as players and young men, under the professional guidance and expertise of our Chiefs staff.”

The NDC players will train with the Gallagher Chiefs full-time for the beginning of the season but will later reduce their involvement to follow bespoke development plans.

In addition to the previously announced wider training squad and NDC players, another three gifted athletes will train with the Gallagher Chiefs as replacements for preseason; Counties Manukau’s Vice Captain Riley Hohepa and Tevita Ofa, and Waikato’s Cody Nordstrom.

The full Gallagher Chiefs squad will assemble in January following the return of All Blacks from leave.

National Development Contracts:
Fiti Sa (Taranaki)
Oli Mathis (Waikato)
Aki Tuivailala (Waikato)
Aisake Vakasioula (Bay of Plenty)
William Martin (Waikato)

Replacements:
Riley Hohepa (Counties Manukau)
Cody Nordstrom (Waikato)
Tevita Ofa (Counties Manukau)

Wider Training Squad:
Hamilton Burr (Waikato)
Josh Jacomb (Taranaki)
Adam Lennox (Taranaki)
Millennium Sanerivi (Taranaki)
Tana Tuhakaraina (Waikato)

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