Chiefs Summer Roadie to kick off

PHOTO/FILE

The Gallagher Chiefs will be out and about in Rotorua and the surrounding towns on Monday, kicking off their Summer Roadie.

The Super Rugby side's action-packed itinerary will see them visit 19 towns in the Chiefs region over the course of the week.

"While this week has a conditioning and team building focus, it has as much to do with connecting with and supporting our communities," said head coach Dave Rennie.

"Over the past four years we have placed a massive emphasis on meaningful engagement right across our region and our boys enjoy the interaction. We are more than just a Hamilton-based team and it's a great chance for us to understand who we are and who we represent. It will be great fun and we are really looking forward to it."

After stops in Putaruru and Tokoroa, the players will pass through Rotorua around lunchtime. No specific meet and greet opportunities have been arranged, with the side back in Rotorua two weeks later to take on the Waratahs in a pre-season match. However players are expected to be out and about at the city's attractions and eateries.

The squad then split in half with some, including former All Black Stephen Donald, heading to Reporoa College and others doing a Q&A session in Murupara. The whole squad then meet up to end the day with a raft race in Kawerau.

Chiefs Summer Roadie local stops

Monday

9.55am Putaruru - Head down to the Water Park Corner to watch some of the players compete in a unique water drum challenge.

10:15am Tokoroa - The Axemans Club at the Tokoroa Memorial Sports Ground. The players will compete in a wood sawing competition.

11.50am Rotorua - The players will be passing through Rotorua to experience some of their best tourist attractions and pick up lunch from Rotorua eateries. No set times or places.

2pm Murupara Rugby Club. The players will be on stage for a question and answer session, and you'll also have the opportunity to get autographs and selfies.

2.20pm Meet and greet at Reporoa College on Massey Rd. There will be time for autographs and selfies.

4pm Kawerau - Players will compete in a raft race beginning at Firmin Field off Waterhouse St. Followed by autographs and selfies.

Tuesday

8.30am - 9.45am Open training at War Memorial Park, Opotiki.

10.15am Chiefs team will build their own rafts and compete against locals in the Great Opotiki Raft Race. Head to the finish line at Opotiki Wharf then head to War Memorial Park on Albert St, to get autographs and view the rafting presentation.

6pm Whakatane - Players will join Trade Me auction winners for dinner. Head to www.whakatane.com/chiefs-auction for more information.

Wednesday

9am - 10.30am Open training at the Whakatane Rugby Park followed by an autograph and selfie session.

12.15pm - 12.45pm Te Puke Sports and Recreation Club on Atuaroa Ave for an autograph and selfie session.