The Gallagher Chiefs squad for the Cross Border Rugby pre-season in Japan has been announced.
The group features the experience of All Blacks, such as Anton Lienert-Brown and Tupou Vaa’i, alongside some of the team’s younger talent. The tour will present an opportunity for these younger players to make their mark on coaches ahead of the DHL Super Rugby Pacific kick-off in less than a month, said Gallagher Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan.
The Chiefs would play against Japan Rugby League One teams on the tour, promising an exciting spectacle for local fans with some familiar faces in Damian McKenzie and Jimmy Tupou, who played for Japanese sides in recent years.
“We are really looking forward to these games in Japan in what will be a unique experience for most. It’s a great opportunity to connect with our fans abroad, bond as a squad, and test ourselves against some quality opposition.
“In terms of the travelling squad selection, it has been a case of prioritising those that are fully fit to train and play, and the integration of our All Blacks who have only recently returned after an extended break. A number of non-travelling players are tracking well from niggly injuries and are on schedule to return to action in our last pre-season game against the Blues.”
