Chiefs snap up Kini Naholo and Tupaea

PROMISING backs Kini Naholo and Quinn Tupaea headline nine rookies the Chiefs have signed up for their 2020 Super Rugby squad after already confirming the return of veteran playmaker and former captain Aaron Cruden.

Former All Black Cruden, who is contracted for next season before joining the Kobelco Steelers in Japan, was the biggest addition the Chiefs named in their 39-man group announced on Tuesday night, though the 50-test first five-eighth’s return from France was known after Stuff revealed it in September.

Almost a quarter of their squad will be on full-time Super Rugby contracts for the first time when coach Warren Gatland returns homeafter spending 12 years in the UK in roles with Wales and the British and Irish Lions.

Seven of those nine rookies are yet to make their Super Rugby debuts, while lock Laghlan McWhannell and prop Reuben O’Neill are still uncapped after being part of the squad last season, so there is a shortage of experience outside a solid core that includes plenty of test experience with the All Blacks.

Chiefs squad for 2020 (*first full-time contract with the Chiefs)

Hookers: Nathan Harris, Bradley Slater*, Samisoni Taukei’aho.

Props: Ryan Coxon*, Nepo Laulala, Atunaisa Moli, Reuben O’Neill, Aidan Ross, Angus Ta’avao.

Locks: Naitoa Ah Kuoi*, Tyler Ardron, Michael Allardice, Laghlan McWhannell.

Loose Forwards: Lachlan Boshier, Mitchell Brown, Sam Cane, Pita Gus Sowakula, Luke Jacobson, Mitchell Karpik, Dylan Nel*.

Halfbacks: Lisati Milo-Harris*, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Brad Weber.

First five-eighths: Aaron Cruden, Tiaan Falcon, Damian McKenzie, Kaleb Trask*.

Midfielders: Orbyn Leger*, Anton

Lienert-Brown, Tumua Manu, Alex Nankivell, Bailyn Sullivan.

Outside backs: Solomon Alaimalo, Sam McNicol, Kini Naholo*, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Shaun Stevenson, Quinn Tupaea*, Sean Wainui.