Chiefs 2026

[Bovidae]

The media release. A forward coach to be named.

Kimberley Collins  /  Jul 20

Gallagher Chiefs Confirm Jono Gibbes as Head Coach - Chiefs

Chiefs Rugby Club have today confirmed the appointment of Jono Gibbes as Head Coach for the Gallagher Chiefs. A respected rugby leader with deep ties to the Chiefs region, Gibbes […]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360764411/it-wasnt-planned-how-jono-gibbes-eventually-became-chiefs-chosen-one

[Bovidae]

Confirmation:

All Black midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown, who has re-signed with NZ Rugby through to the end of 2028, won’t play for the Chiefs in Super Rugby Pacific next year. Lienert-Brown will activate an existing sabbatical clause in his NZ Rugby contract to join fellow All Black Ardie Savea at the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in the Japan League One competition. The pair will return to New Zealand at the conclusion of the Japanese season, and be available for the All Blacks’ July series.

[Bovidae]

An article on Stuff about ALB going to Kobe says that Gideon Wrampling will be back.

[Yeetyaah]

@Bovidae great news, stoked to hear my source be incorrect, will know not to trust his word from now on

[frugby]

@Yeetyaah Sounds like a classic case of Chinese whispers… “Wrampling is leaving”

Turns out it was Malachi to the Blues.

[Crazy Horse]

@Bovidae said in Chiefs 2026:

An article on Stuff about ALB going to Kobe says that Gideon Wrampling will be back.

Jeez I hope this is true. He is one of the better young midfielders going round at the moment. A couple of disappointing moments for him this year but I think he has the physical attributes to go far. Jury is still out on the mental side though.

[Yeetyaah]

Looks like Rameka Poihipi is leaving

[pakman]

@Yeetyaah said in Chiefs 2026:

Looks like Rameka Poihipi is leaving

Tremendous player.

[Mr Fish]

Shame to see him go, felt like he was teetering on the precipice of being a very good player but thanks to injuries we never quite saw the best of him.

Can see him having a very successful career in Japan.

[brodean]

@pakman said in Chiefs 2026:

@Yeetyaah said in Chiefs 2026:

Looks like Rameka Poihipi is leaving

Tremendous player.

Yeah Poihipi is pretty good too.

[Bovidae]

So there might be room for a new midfield back.

[WoodysRFC]

@Bovidae said in Chiefs 2026:

So there might be room for a new midfield back.

Foketi, right? Wrampling has signed on for another season.

Otherwise, get Hake Wiseman in the environment.

What a loss none the less, a great plug and play guy, without being freakish like Rona or Wrampling, far more consistent when fit.

[Bovidae]

@WoodysRFC said in Chiefs 2026:

@Bovidae said in Chiefs 2026:

So there might be room for a new midfield back.

Foketi, right? Wrampling has signed on for another season.

Foketi will be ALB's replacement. If Gibbes and co want a fifth midfield option another will be needed. Gibson Popoali'i was part of the wider squad.

Otherwise, get Hake Wiseman in the environment.

He will be one of the NDC players but too early to make the step up.

[WoodysRFC]

Good point, forgot about ALB's sabbatical. Popoali'i, he go alright?