Rugby: Under-20s captain will help prop Chiefs scrum

The New Zealand under-20 team captain Atunaisa Moli says the Blues and Crusaders were also after him. Photo / Dean Purcell

The Chiefs have filled their propping stocks, with the New Zealand Under-20s skipper signing to complete the last piece of that jigsaw.

Atu Moli, who will line up for just his second game for Waikato on Sunday, is the fifth prop signed by the franchise for 2016, and he brings impeccable pedigree to his new status as a fulltime professional.

From a big 2013, when he was head boy at Marlborough Boys' College and led the First XV to the Press Cup title, through two years with the New Zealand Under 20s, captaining them to the world title in June, Moli has taken his chances with his scrummaging and strong play around the track. He wore the No 3 jersey in the World Under-20 final, and was at loosehead for his full Waikato debut against Tasman some 11 days ago, so he is equally adept on both sides of the scrum, making him valuable when picking a match-day 22 or 23.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie is more than happy to have signed Moli.

"Atu is a big man with a big future. We've got to know him well over the past couple of seasons from a character and training perspective. His work ethic and desire to develop his game is impressive," he said.

Moli says the Blues and Crusaders were also after him, but ultimately the decision to stay in Hamilton, his home since the beginning of last year, was a simple one.

"Waikato and the Chiefs have done so much for me in supporting my rugby," he said. "I knew that being in the Under-20s would open doors, but when we won and with me as captain, it opened up even more doors."

The other signed Chiefs props are new All Black Nepo Laulala, Siate Tokalahi, Mitchell Graham and Pauliasi Manu. Tameifuna is heading to Racing-Metro to join Dan Carter after the World Cup, while Jamie Mackintosh is playing for a Super Rugby contract.

The Chiefs now have 29 signed for the 2016 season, with just three places, including one at hooker, remaining on their roster.