twelve from chiefs country join gallagher chiefs for 2026 season as wider training group announced
Today the Gallagher Chiefs confirm their wider training group for 2026, made up of talent exclusively from Chiefs Country. The 12 players will train with the main squad full time and be eligible to hit the field if injuries occur, giving them valuable experience within the Super Rugby club environment.
With a wide talent pool, the group has been selected for their talent, performance, and deep ties to Chiefs Country. The group reflects the strength of the Provincial Unions’ collective performance this season and the Chiefs regions’ development pathways.
Head Coach Jono Gibbes stated “These 12 players are going to play a pivotal role in our season. The nature of Super Rugby means there needs to be depth in your squad, and this group provides just that. We now have a team of 50 and I’m excited about integrating the wider training group into the programme full time”
Dylan Eti returns to the Chiefs Rugby Club having previously been incorporated as a NDC player in 2025. Several players have already achieved on-field action in Super Rugby with Daniel Sinkinson having played 4 games for the Hurricanes and Michael Loft running out once with the Highlanders.
AJ Alatimu brings a fresh outlook having represented the Houston Sabercats for Major League Rugby in the USA. The experienced first-five came through the Counties and Chiefs development programmes previously.
Several other Counties players are represented through Cohen Brady-Leathem, Cam Church, Keran Van Staden, and Reon Paul.
Jai Knight, the towering lock from Bay of Plenty has joined the team after a solid NPC debut, alongside team-mate Tamiro Armstrong.
The squad is rounded out by NZU20 representatives Will Martin and Josiah Pokai. The Gallagher Chiefs wider training group will assemble with the main squad when pre-season kicks off in late November.
Gallagher Chiefs wider training group 2026
- AJ Alatimu, Counties Manukau
- Cam Church, Counties Manukau
- Cohen Brady-Leathem, Counties Manukau
- Daniel Sinkinson, Waikato
- Dylan Eti, Waikato
- Jai Knight, Bay of Plenty
- Josiah (JJ) Pokai, Taranaki
- Keran Van Staden, Counties Manukau
- Michael Loft, Taranaki
- Reon Paul, Bay of Plenty
- Tamiro Armstrong, Bay of Plenty
- Will Martin, Waikato
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