Injured All Black Jacobson takes on coaching role during Chiefs' Japan tour

Luke Jacobson will step into a coaching and mentoring role during the Chiefs’ pre-season tour to Japan, with the All Black flanker still rehabilitating the elbow injury that cut short his Test season in the Greatest Rivalry series.

The 29-year-old’s involvement adds an experienced presence to what is otherwise a young travelling party. The Chiefs have named a 26-man squad for the trip, which culminates in a match against Sam Cane’s Suntory Sungoliath next weekend.

Nine of the 12 members of the club’s 2027 wider training group have been included in the touring party, underlining the development focus of the exercise. Among the standout inclusions are two uncapped full squad members — lock Aisake Vakasiuola and halfback Charlie Sinton — as well as a number of recent New Zealand Under-20 graduates. Haki Wiseman, named as the national U20 side’s 2026 captain, is also part of the group.

With Jacobson unable to play, the coaching role offers him a way to remain engaged with the squad while his recovery continues. The Chiefs have not yet confirmed where the match against Sungoliath will be streamed.

Chiefs squad to play Sungoliath

Forwards: Kurene Luamanuvae, Thomas Polo, Taipari Quinn, Keightley Watson, JJ Pokai, Ian West-Stevens, Leo Ngatai-Tafau, Aisake Vakasiuola, Liam Anderson, Mosese Bason, Micah Fale, Scott Jury, Michael Loft.