Rugby: Clarke leaves big boots to fill at Chiefs

Craig Clarke is heading to Irish club Connacht, where he will link with new head coach Pat Lam, formerly of the Blues. Photo / Getty Images

Of all the players leaving the Chiefs, the one who has made the most impact has been Craig Clarke, a player who in Dave Rennie's opinion should have been an All Black last year.

Centre Richard Kahui, heading to Japan, could have been one of his team's best and certainly he looked like he would be after returning from his shoulder injury before a similar problem ruled him out for good.

Lelia Masaga has been lively at times on the wing - his try last weekend against the Crusaders an example of the X-factor he can provide. Clarke, though, has been an ever-present for the Chiefs, lending his considerable work ethic to the team's on-field efforts and an often laconic wit afterwards in front of the media.

Clarke, who turned 30 on Thursday, is heading to Irish club Connacht, where he will link with new head coach Pat Lam, formerly of the Blues. He will take with him his team's best wishes and his coach's hope that he just might return.

The lock and co-captain with Liam Messam epitomised the Chiefs' team-first ethic and will be hugely missed.

"He's a special character isn't he?," coach Rennie said. "When you're under pressure you need your experienced players to stand up and I thought he was sensational last week. I think New Zealand's missed a beat there, the fact that this guy is leaving. If he had had a chance of wearing the black jersey last year he may well have stayed. He's a big loss for us. He's a quality man, he has a massive influence on this group. He's demanding, he's made real shifts in his game. We'll miss him big time."

Clarke was on the fringe of the All Blacks last year. The national team's medical staff kept an eye on his knee - he played in last year's final despite the problem - which meant he was on Steve Hansen's radar, and there is no doubt he would have been an All Black this year ahead of Hurricane Jeremy Thrush if he wasn't leaving.

Clarke, also the captain of Taranaki, began his career at the Crusaders in 2006 before finding his way to the Chiefs via the Hurricanes. He has worn the black, red and yellow for five seasons, captaining the team for the past two alongside Messam.

Prop Toby Smith, who had a strong finish to the season, is also leaving, as is halfback Brendon Leonard.

Rennie said he had signed 25 of 28 players for next season. He is leaving a spot open for Sonny Bill Williams but the midfielder is expected to stay at the Sydney Roosters for another year.

Mike Fitzgerald and Ross Filipo, who has recently been concentrating on No8, could be candidates as Clarke's replacement. Rennie will also be keeping a watch on the ITM Cup for young talent. Either way, the man known as Weka leaves big boots to fill.

Chiefs v Brumbies

Waikato Stadium, 7.35 tonight

Chiefs: Gareth Anscombe, Masaga/Robinson, Charlie Ngatai, Andrew Horrell, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Aaron Cruden, T. Kerr-Barlow, Matt Vant Leven, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Brodie Retallick, Craig Clarke (c), Ben Tameifuna, Hika Elliot, Toby Smith

Reserves: Rhys Marshall, Ben Afeaki, Michael Fitzgerald, Sam Cane, Augustine Pulu, Bundee Aki, Robbie Robinson/Patrick Osborne.

Brumbies: Jesse Mogg, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, Clyde Rathbone, Matt Toomua, Nic White, Ben Mowen (c), George Smith, Peter Kimlin, Sam Carter, Scott Fardy, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Scott Sio

Reserves: Siliva Siliva, Ruan Smith, Fotu Auelua, Colby Faingaa, Ian Prior, Andrew Smith, Joe Tomane.