Ta’avao to run out for 100th Investec Super Rugby game against the Blues

Gallagher Chief Angus Ta’avao is set to reach 100 Investec Super Rugby games this weekend, when the Gallagher Chiefs take to the field against the Blues on Saturday night at Eden Park.

The 29 year old prop began his Investec Super Rugby career in 2012 when he debuted for the Blues. Following his 48th Investec Super Rugby cap, Ta’avao headed off-shore on a two year contract with the Waratahs. Following a successful Mitre 10 Cup campaign for Taranaki, Ta’avao debuted for the Gallagher Chiefs in 2018 against the Crusaders becoming Gallagher Chief number 295. Later that year he earned his first cap for the All Blacks.

Since Ta’avao’s debut for the Gallagher Chiefs he has been an instrumental member of the team. His power, work rate and versatility has led to him becoming a key member of the Gallagher Chiefs’ leadership group.

Ta’avao said it has been an incredible journey to reach 100 Investec Super Rugby games and will be a special moment on Saturday.

“I made my Investec Super Rugby debut for the Blues in 2012 against the Gallagher Chiefs at FMG Stadium Waikato. So for it to come around full circle, playing my 100th game against the Blues at Eden Park is pretty exciting.”

Chiefs Rugby Club chief executive Michael Collins said it was a fantastic achievement and congratulated Ta’avao on his impending milestone.

“Reaching this milestone is no small achievement. We are fortunate as a Club to play our role in this achievement. We are looking forward to seeing Angus continue to add to his Investec Super Rugby tally in the Gallagher Chiefs jersey in the years to come.”

Gallagher Chiefs head coach Colin Cooper said Ta’avao’s achievement was testament to his character.

“Angus is a valued member of our team, delivering week in and week out. Angus offers great leadership and is a versatile player. Off the field his personality is infectious and he’s a fantastic team man. We are looking forward to celebrating this terrific milestone on Saturday.”

Originally, from Auckland, Ta’avao has achieved 48 Investec Super Rugby caps for the Blues, 23 Investec Super Rugby caps for the Waratahs and to date 28 appearances for the Gallagher Chiefs. Ta’avao proudly captains the Taranaki provincial team representing the side on 34 occasions. In September 2018 Ta’avao debuted for the All Blacks against Argentina in Buenos Aires. The tighthead has notched up 3 caps for his national team.