Chiefs prop up playing roster
A day after losing All Blacks loosehead Karl Tu’inukuafe to the Blues, the Chiefs have re-signed props Angus Ta’avao and Aidan Ross until 2020 and 2021 respectively.
Ta’avao and Ross were unexpectedly starting together in the front row for the Chiefs early in their 2018 Super Rugby campaign because of an injury crisis among their regular props, but both would impress with their performances.
After seven successive starts, Ross’ season ended when he suffered a broken ankle playing against the Hurricanes in April, but his form has earned the 22-year-old Bay of Plenty prop a new three-year deal with the Chiefs through to 2021.
Ta’avao was one of Chiefs coach Colin Cooper’s first callups as injuries decimated their front row and the 28-year-old Taranaki prop became a regular fixture at tighthead.
Formerly of the Blues and the Waratahs, Ta’avao grasped his third Super Rugby chance with both hands and has signed a new twoyear deal with the Chiefs through to 2020.
Ta’avao played in all 17 Chiefs games in 2018 and started 15 in a row after replacing All Blacks tighthead Nepo Laulala, who is contracted to 2020, when he broke his arm against the Blues in March.
For their remaining props, the Chiefs have Kane Hames (2019), who didn’t play all season due to concussion, and Atu Moli (2020), who played just one game before a quad haematoma ruined his season, signed up.
Young Waikato prop Sefo Kautai is on board for 2019 but Mitchell Graham is off contract after missing all of the Super Rugby season due to a lingering leg injury.