Boshier off to join Deans at Wild Knights in Japan
Lachlan Boshier has played his final match for the Chiefs.
The Herald understands Boshier has signed a lucrative deal to join the Robbie Deans-coached Japanese Top League champions Panasonic Wild Knights.
The 26-year-old Boshier is expected to depart New Zealand rugby after a provincial campaign with Taranaki.
Boshier was one of the standout figures through the inaugural Super Rugby Aotearoa season last year, with many surprised he did not push his way into All Blacks contention.
Playing alongside All Blacks captain Sam Cane in 2020, Boshier was the most prolific turnover exponent in the country. That form earned him selection in last year’s North side for the revived game against the South Island, only to miss out on the match day squad to Dalton Papalii, Akira Ioane, Hoskins Sotutu and Ardie Savea.
When Savea was a late arrival to Australia due to paternity leave the All Blacks preferred the physicality of Hurricanes openside Du’Plessis Kirifi over Boshier.
Earlier this year, Boshier told the Herald he had heard little from the All Blacks selectors.
“You don’t want to be someone else — you can only be yourself,” Boshier said. “Everyone is a different player and there’s different types of sevens around. I’m happy with how I play the game and if
other people aren’t happy with that then so be it.
“I haven’t had too many chats with those sorts of guys. You can only play as well as you do while you’re out there. There’s definitely plenty of competition in the loose forwards around the country. You can only control what you do so I’m always trying to be a better player. The rest takes care of itself.
“I’ll just keep going with what I’m doing and slowly progress in most areas. I really loved my footy last year; keeping it well balanced is key for me.”
This year an injury in the preseason restricted Boshier to a late start in April when he returned to replace the injured Cane as the Chiefs pushed through to reach the Aotearoa final.
Boshier has represented Taranaki since 2014 and the Chiefs for the past five years.