Chiefs Rugby will head to Japan this November, with the University of Waikato Chiefs Taua set to take on Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath at the Chichibunomiya Minato Rugby Festival 2026.
The match will be played at Tokyo’s Prince Chichibu Rugby Stadium on Saturday 14 November, kicking off at 2.00pm local time.
The University of Waikato Chiefs Taua will feature a mix of players from the Gallagher Chiefs 2026 environment, alongside emerging talent from across the wider Chiefs pathway, including members of the University of Waikato Chiefs U20 programme.
For Chiefs whānau around the world, the fixture offers an early opportunity to see some of the players who will form part of the Gallagher Chiefs squad heading into the 2027 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season.
The tour will be led by Chiefs Rugby Head of Pathways Mike Rogers, supported by Gallagher Chiefs assistant coach David Hill, and with Gallagher Chiefs and All Black Captain Luke Jacobson also travelling in a mentoring and coaching role.
Rogers says the fixture presents an exciting opportunity to continue developing players within the Chiefs pathway while exposing the group to a different style of rugby.
“We have a strong development pathway here at Chiefs, and getting to give up-and-coming players an opportunity to play alongside long-time Chiefs is exciting.” Rogers said. “Coming up against Suntory will be a strong challenge, and we are looking forward to the match up of the different play styles.”
The tour continues a strong connection between Chiefs Rugby and Japan, with the Gallagher Chiefs having previously travelled to Japan as part of their 2024 pre-season preparations.
There will also be some familiar faces to welcome the Chiefs, with former Gallagher Chiefs Sam Cane, Caleb Trask, Gideon Wrampling and James Lowe all part of the current Suntory squad.
The fixture provides another opportunity to build on those connections, engage with Chiefs supporters further afield and introduce the club to new fans, while giving the travelling group valuable rugby experience ahead of 2027.
Tickets for the match are now on sale within Japan, with the travelling University of Waikato Chiefs Taua squad to be announced closer to the fixture. Fans in NZ will be able to access the game via Chiefs channels with additional details confirmed in due course.
For Chiefs fans in Japan tickets can be purchased here: Click Here
MATCH DETAILS
University of Waikato Chiefs Taua v Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath
Saturday 14 November 2026
Prince Chichibu Rugby Stadium, Tokyo
Kick-off: 2.00pm local time
