The Chiefs have named a 26 strong squad to tour South Africa for the Super14 which starts next week.
The Chiefs enjoyed their best ever Super14 season in 2009 as they reached the final for the first time in Super Rugby but got smashed by the Bulls in Pretoria at Loftus Versfeld in that final.
In the first round of the 2010 season the Chiefs play the Sharks in Durban on Saturday the 13th of February (Sunday 14 6.10am NZ time) and the following week they play the Lions in Johannesburg on Friday the 19th of February (Saturday 20 February at 7.00am NZ time).
In round three of this years Super14 the Chiefs travel closer to home and take on the Western Force in Perth on Saturday the 27th of Feburary (Sunday 28 February at 12.05am NZ time).
Winger Jason Hona who has enjoyed game time with the Chiefs during their preseason campaign has been called into squad from the Chiefs Wider Training Group.
Lock Romana Graham, fullback Mils Muliaina, and winger Lelia Masaga will remain in New Zealand for the opening rounds and were not considered for the tour.
Chiefs coach Ian Foster said, "It has been pleasing to come through the preseason with no more significant injuries and having shown good progression through our three preseason games. "
"A number of new players have had a lot of game time and that will prepare them well for what is a tough but exciting start to this year."
The Chiefs depart for South Africa early on Sunday.
Chiefs squad
Ben Afeaki, Colin Bourke, Luke Braid, Callum Bruce, Craig Clarke, Aled de Malmanche, Mike Delany, Stephen Donald,Hikawera Elliot, Jason Hona,Jarrad Hoeata, Richard Kahui, Tanerau Latimer, Sione Lauaki (captain), Brendon Leonard, James McGougan, Liam Messam,Tim Nanai-Williams, Kevin O’Neill, Junior Poluleuligaga, Culum Retallick, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Dwayne Sweeney, Sona Taumalolo, Nathan White, Jackson Willison.
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