Chiefs overhaul squad for 2027 with Kemara return and 12 uncapped rookies

The Chiefs have named a significantly reshuffled 35-man squad for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season, with 12 uncapped players earning their first contracts at the Hamilton-based franchise and several high-profile arrivals headlining the changes.

The standout signing is first five-eighth Taha Kemara, who returns home to partner Damian McKenzie in the Chiefs’ inside-back unit following the departure of Josh Jacomb. Kemara’s arrival gives head coach Jono Gibbes a proven playmaker alongside the experienced McKenzie, who now has 151 Chiefs caps to his name.

In the outside backs, recent New Zealand U20 graduate Frank Vaenuku joins after catching the eye during a stint with the All Blacks Sevens — where he earned the nickname ‘Frank the Tank’ — and his addition helps offset the departures of Etene Nanai-Seturo and Liam Coombes-Fabling.

The forward pack has been meaningfully refreshed. Tongan international prop Paula Latu arrives from Moana Pasifika, while Tevita Mafileo moves north from the Hurricanes. Perhaps the most notable forward addition is Daniel Lienert-Brown, who ends a 12-year career at the Highlanders to join younger brother Anton in Hamilton. Anton himself returns to the squad after a 2026 sabbatical, with Lalakai Foketi’s one-season spell at the club now concluded.

Lock Jai Knight bolsters what Gibbes described as one of Super Rugby Pacific’s deepest second-row groups, and back-to-back NPC champion openside flanker Corey Kellow crosses from the Crusaders. At halfback, 19-year-old New Zealand U20 standout Charlie Sinton earns his first professional contract, replacing Xavier Roe in the group.

One significant absentee is hooker Tyrone Thompson, who is contracted but expected to miss the entire 2027 season through injury, forcing Gibbes to lean on the wider training group — set to be announced separately.

“The players coming in are at different stages of their careers, and that’s a strength,” Gibbes said. “Some bring experience from other Super Rugby teams, while others have been developing within our pathways and are ready for their next challenge. We want them to bring what makes them different. They’re here to contribute, compete and help this group move forward.”