Rugby: Chiefs youngsters to gather

Steamers first-five Dan Hollinshead is one of seven Bay of Plenty players named in the Chiefs development squad. Photo / Getty Images

The Chiefs Development Squad will assemble for the first time on Sunday at Chiefs headquarters in Hamilton.

There is an exciting mix of ITM Cup players from the Chiefs region, NZ Under-20 trialists and other young promising players.

Members from the Chiefs squad are also expected to be involved in the matches.

Chiefs player identification and development manager Dave Dillon will lead the team's programme.

Head coach Dillon is joined by Taranaki's assistant coach Leo Crowley and former Chiefs captain Deon Muir.

Past Chiefs player Roger Randle will also provide some resource skills coaching.

"The Chiefs development programme is carried out in conjunction with our provincial union programmes and has become an integral part of player development in the Chiefs region," Dillon said.

"Taranaki's Seta Tamanivalu, who went on to become the ITM Cup Player of the Year last year, came through our programme and a number of other Chiefs development players have progressed to the Chiefs level this season. "

In addition to Tamanivalu, those players include Johan Bardoul (Bay of Plenty), Damian McKenzie (Waikato), Maama Vaipulu and Toni Pulu (Counties Manukau) who have joined the 2015 Chiefs Super Rugby squad.

The Chiefs development side will play the curtain-raiser against the Blues development team for the two Investec Super Rugby fixtures between the Chiefs and the Blues at North Harbour on Valentine's Day, February 14, and at Waikato Stadium on Easter Saturday April 4.

The Chiefs development side will also play two matches against the Hurricanes development team and a warm-up match for the New Zealand Under-20s before the Junior World Cup in June.

Chiefs Development Squad
Props: Solomona Sakalia (BOP), Ryan Cocker (T), Atunaisa Moli (W), Jarrod Firth (CM), Tau Koloamatangi (W); Hookers: Joseph Royal (BOP), Epalahame Faiva (W), Steven Misa (W); Locks: Tim Bond (BOP), Richard Hoeata (T), Brian Alainu'uese (W), Jacob Skeen (W); Loosies: James Tucker (W), Mitchell Jacobson (W), Mitchell Crosswell (T), Zane Kapeli (W), Lachlan Boshier (T); Halfbacks: Harrison Levien (W), Jono Kitto (BOP), Te Aihe Toma (BOP); First fives: Daniel Hollinshead (BOP), Michael Stanley (CM), Bryn Gatland (W); Midfield: Jason Thomasen (W), Sasa Tofilau (W), Sean Wainui (T), Joseph Ikenasio (CM), Cardiff Vaega (CM), Outside backs: Cody Rei (T), Ngataua Hukatai (CM), Jordan Trainor (W), Brynn Uriarau (BOP), Shaun Stevenson (W); Injured: Siegfried Fisihoi (BOP), Sioane Fifita (CM), Jared Page (CM), Jordan Payne (W), Troy Callandar (BOP), Loni Uhila (W).

Chiefs Development Programme 2015

Saturday, February 14 Blues v Chiefs North Harbour Stadium
(Curtain raiser to Blues v Chiefs Investec Super Rugby Match)

Wednesday, March 18 Chiefs v Hurricanes Taupo

Saturday, April 4 Chiefs v Blues Waikato Stadium
(Curtain raiser to Chiefs v Blues Investec Super Rugby Match)

Thursday, April 23 Chiefs v Hurricanes TBC

Monday May 25 Chiefs v NZ U20 Tauranga
Kick off times to be confirmed