The Gallagher Chiefs have formed their 2027 DHL Super Rugby Pacific squad. Bringing together proven performers, fresh arrivals and emerging talent to write the club’s next chapter.
The team combines an already strong connection to Chiefs Country with a shared ambition to continue moving forward. Head Coach Jono Gibbes is looking to build on the foundations after his first year at the helm.
“There’s a lot to be excited about in this group. We’ve got players who understand this club and what it means to represent our people, as well as new faces bringing their own experiences. I’m confident in the foundation we’ve built, this is a new team and a new season. It’s about what we do next and everyone has a part to play in that”. Head Coach, Jono Gibbes.
FRESH FACES
Today’s squad includes five previously un-announced players joining the Chiefs.
Bay of Plenty halfback Richard Judd knows the demands of professional rugby having played across four provincial teams as well as 21 appearances for the Hurricanes. Judd has also played with Suntory Sungoliath and San Diego Legion so will be set to bring high-performance composure and firepower.
This experience will be balanced alongside fellow BOP halfback Charlie Sinton. The NZ Under 20 representative has been a familiar face in the Chiefs Pathways having joined the club on a National Development Contract in 2026. Turning heads at the start of the 2026 season Sinton has earned a name as a fast paced, up and comer. Sinton signs with the Chiefs for two years.
Out wide, Frank Vaenuku will join the team bringing international sevens experience, where his footwork, aerial ability and powerful carrying have been features of his game. The 21 year old is an All Blacks Sevens representative, and has signed a long term agreement which will see him available for the 2028 Olympics before returning in 2029.
Corey Kellow strengthens the loose forwards following the departure of All Black Samipeni Finau. After representing the Crusaders for four years, Kellow will head north after helping his Canterbury side win the 2026 NPC.
2026 Wider Training Group Lock Jai Knights’ journeyis already well underway with the club. His inclusion provides another strong example of the opportunities within rugby pathways, also taking the step up to a full contract.
Fans will also see the forward pack strengthened by Tongan international Paula Latu. The tighthead prop has represented Southland in the NPC as well as Welsh club Dragons RFC before playing six games for Moana Pasifika in 2026. His move to the Gallagher Chiefs comes as replacement for Benet Kumeroa who has taken a position with the Highlanders for 2027.
Gibbes, reflected on the new additions “The players coming in are at different stages of their careers, and that’s a strength. Some bring experience from other Super Rugby teams, while others have been developing within our pathways and are ready for their next challenge. “We want them to bring what makes them different. They’re here to contribute, compete and help this group move forward.”
Energy across the field
Up front, recently announced Highlanders centurion Daniel Lienert-Brown and Hurricanes forward Tevita Mafileo add substantial Super Rugby experience to the prop group. The remaining forward pack welcomes back seasoned All Black Samisoni Taukei’aho, Taine Kolose, and NPC winning Captain Brodie McAlister. Hooker Tyrone Thompson will unfortunately be unavailable for the season due to injury.
In the locks, both Tupou Vaa’i and Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi will be looking to reach the significant 100th cap for the Chiefs in 2027, adding to the clubs growing centurion list.
2026 DHL Super Rugby Player of the Year, Quinn Tupaea and Anton Lienert-Brown will be joined in the midfield by Daniel Rona and Kyle Brown. Lienert-Brown is returning to the club after a one year sabbatical in Japan.
looking ahead
2027 is setting up for another season of strong performances on field and deep connection off field. For returning players and newcomers alike, the opportunity is the same: to earn their place, contribute to the group and help shape what comes next for the Gallagher Chiefs.
Fans can get behind the team and be there when it matters most with a 2027 membership.
Gallagher Chiefs Squad 2027
Props
- George Dyer (69)
- Paula Latu* (0)
- Daniel Lienert-Brown* (0)
- Tevita Mafileo (7)
- Ollie Norris (81)
- Jared Proffit (37)
Hookers
- Taine Kolose (0)
- Brodie McAlister (23)
- Samisoni Taukei’aho (121)
- Tyrone Thompson** (31)
Locks
- Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi (94)
- Jai Knight* (0)
- Josh Lord (46)
- Fiti Sa (6)
- Jayden Sa (0)
- Tupou Vaa’i (88)
- Aisake Vakasiuola (0)
Loosies
- Kaylum Boshier (49)
- Jahrome Brown (14)
- Luke Jacobson (106)
- Corey Kellow* (0)
- Simon Parker (50)
- Wallace Sititi (29)
Halfbacks
- Richard Judd* (0)
- Cortez Ratima (74)
- Charlie Sinton* (0)
Inside Backs
- Tepaea Cook-Savage (6)
- Taha Kemara* (0)
- Damian McKenzie (151)
Midfield
- Kyle Brown (11)
- Anton Lienert-Brown (126)
- Daniel Rona (45)
- Quinn Tupaea (79)
Outside Backs
- Leroy Carter (26)
- Isaac Hutchinson (6)
- Emoni Narawa (54)
- Daniel Sinkinson (5)
- Kyren Taumoefolau (13)
- Frank Vaenuku* (0)
* indicates new signing.
** Contracted but unavailable for 2027 due to injury
() denotes Chiefs caps.
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