Cane and Ngatai to share captaincy of Chiefs for season
The Chiefs have named stalwarts Charlie Ngatai and Sam Cane as their co-captains for the 2018 Super Rugby season.
Cane has shared the role with Aaron Cruden over the past two campaigns before the first fiveeighth departed for France last year.
Ngatai has captained both the Maori All Blacks and Taranaki under new Chiefs coach Colin Cooper, who had no hesitation in
Super Rugby
selecting the pair.
“I’ve had a lot of experience with Charlie and he’s a great captain,” Cooper said.
“Sam’s an All Black and he’s a very positive, strong leader also, so we’re really lucky to have those two guys.”
Cooper was not so enthusiastic, however, about discussing the potential signing of prodigy Etene Nanai-Seturo following his high-profile split with the Warriors.
Following mediation, New Zealand Rugby and the Warriors resolved the situation on Friday arising from the 18-year-old’s decision to ditch league.
He’s now available to play professional rugby.
“Is he going to join the Chiefs this year? No,” Cooper said.
“He’s a future player, so hopefully that will work out for the franchise.”
The future of Samoan test star Tim Nanai-Williams is also up in the air after he injured his shoulder in last week’s 38-26 preseason win over the Brumbies.
Cooper admitted the injury was a serious one and may require surgery.
Nevertheless, Cooper said he was excited by the prospect of taking on the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday, having been an assistant coach for the defending Super champions back in 2002.
“They’re going to be really good up front and it’s good to go down there with a group that can compete with them,” Cooper said. — NZN