"Having Aaron here during the preseason to train alongside the new boys has given him the opportunity to connect with them and also empathise with how hard they've been working. Sam is back training this week inspired and determined, having had a decent break to regenerate following his impressive 2015 year with the Chiefs and All Blacks" said Rennie.
Co-captain and Rugby World Cup-winning All Black Sam Cane said it had been nice to physically and mentally recharge the batteries after a memorable 2015.
"Growing up in this region and being a Chiefs supporter from a young age it's a huge honour to lead the 2016 Gallagher Chiefs with Aaron.
"It's a challenge I'm really looking forward to and am excited about. We've got a great mix of youth and experience in the squad and a lot of great leaders within the group who will support us and share the workload".
Gallagher Chiefs co-captain Cruden shared his excitement about his return to rugby following a lengthy injury break.
"I'm really excited to be back training and in the Chiefs environment after such a long injury layoff.
"It's nice to be running around again and getting to know the new men in the squad. I've been really impressed with the work ethic of the whole group during preseason and I'm looking forward to leading this team with Sam in 2016 and hopefully through our hard work, bringing another title back to the Chiefs region."
The demands of captaincy is something both Aaron Cruden and Sam Cane are familiar with having held numerous leadership roles in recent years.
On the Chiefs website they stated Cane made his Investec Super Rugby debut for the Gallagher Chiefs in 2011, with Cruden moving north from the Hurricanes to join the Chiefs in 2012.
To date, the duo has amassed a combined 121 caps for the two-time Super Rugby champions.
