Laghlan McWhannell shone during his New Zealand Under 20s campaign in 2018 and followed with a strong provincial season with Waikato.
McWhannell has been unlucky to be sidelined with injuries in the Gallagher Chiefs 2020 and 2021 seasons, but has still remained a key part of the squad. McWhannell was awarded the Gallagher Chiefs Personality of Year in 2020.
McWhannell is a promising player to watch with exciting talent which will only develop under the guidance of experienced locks within the Gallagher Chiefs.
In 2019 McWhannell was announced the winner of a top award for personal development and beat former All Blacks midfielder Sonny Bill Williams to the prize given out by the New Zealand Rugby Players Association (NZRPA).