The Gallagher Chiefs have confirmed their 12-player wider training group for 2027, bringing together emerging talent, returning faces and international experience to help shape the club’s next chapter.
Selected through the wider training group draft, the players will train alongside the main squad, continuing their development within the Chiefs environment while providing important support throughout the 2027 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season.
Their selection follows a strong contribution from the 2026 group, with four players taking the field in Chiefs colours during the season. Daniel Sinkinson and Jai Knight have since progressed to full contracts for 2027, reinforcing the opportunities available for players who make the most of their time in the environment.
Head Coach Jono Gibbes said the impact of last season’s group had reinforced the importance of the selection process.
“The draft is a good system, and we’re being diligent about how we approach selection this year. Our 2026 wider training group made a phenomenal contribution and showed just how valuable that group is across a season. They’ve left a strong legacy, and we want to build on that in 2027.” Gallagher Chiefs Head Coach, Jono Gibbes
Waikato loosehead prop Will Martin and Taranaki hooker JJ Pokai return after being part of the 2026 wider training group, giving both players the opportunity to build on their experience within the club. Wellington tighthead prop Samu Tawake brings Super Rugby experience from his time with the Fijian Drua. He joins Taranaki’s Keightley Watson and Counties Manukau’s Kurene Luamanuvae among the tighthead options, adding further depth to the front row.
Manawatū loose forward Mosese Bason joins after being named in the Hurricanes’ 2026 wider training group. A New Zealand Under 20 representative in both 2024 and 2025, Bason brings experience from the national age-grade programme as he takes his next step in Chiefs Country.
In the backs, Canterbury first five-eighth Andrew Knewstubb brings international experience from his time with the All Blacks Sevens, including an Olympic silver medal in Tokyo. His experience at both first five-eighth and fullback adds versatility to the group. Waikato halfback Rui Farrant continues a progression that has already included appearances for the Chiefs in their delveopment programme, providing another connection to the club’s pathways.
Taranaki midfielder Haki Wiseman brings New Zealand Under 20 leadership experience, having captained the side during its 2026 World Championship campaign. Fellow midfielder Mike Naitokani, from Waikato, adds Super Rugby experience following his time with the Fijian Drua. Waikato pair Nathan Stephens and Dallas Rata-Makene round out the group in the outside backs. Stephens made an immediate impression in provincial colours this season, scoring inside the opening two minutes of his Waikato debut.
Reflecting on the contribution of the previous group, Gallagher Chiefs Assistant Coach Marty Bourke highlighted the impact players can make beyond match day. “One of the things that made our WTG a point of difference last year was the youth and energy.”
For the 2027 group, the opportunity is to build on that legacy and contribute every day.
Gallagher Chiefs wider training group 2026
- Will Martin, Waikato, Loosehead Prop
- JJ Pokai, Taranaki, Hooker
- Keightley Watson, Taranaki, Tighthead Prop
- Samu Tawake, Wellington, Tighthead Prop
- Kurene Luamanuvae, Counties Manukau, Tighthead Prop
- Mosese Bason, Manawatu, Loose forward
- Rui Farrant, Waikato, Halfback
- Andrew Knewstubb, Canterbury, First Five
- Haki Wiseman, Taranaki, Midfield
- Mike Naitokani, Waikato, Midfield
- Nathan Stephens, Waikato, Outside back
- Dallas Rata-Makene, Waikato, Outside back
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