Tim set to return in boost for Chiefs
Tim Nanai-Williams is set to give the Chiefs a major boost by resigning with the franchise.
Fairfax understands NanaiWilliams has committed to the Hamilton-based side despite being pursued by the Blues.
Nanai-Williams has been a key player for the Chiefs in the past and at 27 the outside back still has plenty to offer New Zealand rugby.
Nanai-Williams represented the Chiefs from 2010 to 2015, winning two titles, and was a firm favourite at the franchise because of his tryscoring instincts and ability to play a number of positions.
The Chiefs have lacked experience in their outside backs in recent years, but Nanai-Williams will give them options at centre, wing and fullback.
Nanai-Williams represented Samoa at last year’s World Cup and also pursued his dream of representing the Samoan sevens team at the Olympics, although the island nation failed to qualify. Since then, he has been playing for Ricoh Black Rams in Japan.
Nanai-Williams may not be the only player to return from Japan, with indications that Chiefs legend Liam Messam will also make his way back to the franchise after his stint with Toshiba.
Messam spent a brief period back with the Chiefs at the end of last season, but he was ruled ineligible for the finals series by Sanzaar.
Super Rugby teams are busy putting the final touches to their rosters for the 2017 season, and the complete lists will be announced in November.
The Blues this week confirmed they had signed backline prospects Stephen Perofeta and Michael Collins, from Taranaki and Otago respectively.