Aaron Cruden and Michael Fitzgerald Sign with Chiefs

Posted on Jul 15, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

Manawatu Turbos representative Aaron Cruden today confirmed his move to the Chiefs Super Rugby Franchise for the 2012 campaign.

Chiefs Head Coach Dave Rennie said “we are absolutely rapt that Aaron has committed to the Chiefs. He’s a top man, a quality player and a leader”.

Chiefs CEO Gary Dawson commented “we are thrilled to welcome a player of Aaron’s ability and potential. He has got a great future ahead of him and we are pleased that the Chiefs will be a part of that future".

At 22 years old Cruden has already achieved a lot in his career including captaining the New Zealand under20’s side that won the IRB Junior World Championship title in 2009 along with being named IRB Junior Player of the Year. He made his Super Rugby debut in 2010 for the Hurricanes in a pre-season match against the Brumbies and was named in the 2010 All Blacks squad.

Aaron commented “it’s been an extremely difficult decision to make, I never wanted to let anyone down but a decision had to be made. It was my long standing relationship with Ren’s that swayed things the Chiefs way. Its going to be a challenge but one I am looking forward to now. I wish the Hurricanes well for the 2012 campaign and beyond".

Turbo’s lock Michael Fitzgerald has also confirmed his move to the Chiefs and will look to debut for the side in the 2012 competition.

“Fitzy was one of the best performing locks in last year’s ITM Cup. He’s a very good athlete, has an outstanding work ethic and is prepared to do a lot of the grunt work” commented Rennie.

Fitzgerald said “I’m really excited about the opportunity to play for the Chiefs but focused on performing well for the Turbos first”.

2009 Steinlager Rugby Award nominees announced

Posted on Nov 20, 2009 in Rugby News

The nominees for this year’s Steinlager Rugby Awards, New Zealand’s premier rugby awards, have been announced.

The Steinlager Rugby Awards recognise and acknowledge the achievements of New Zealand’s teams, coaches, players, referees and volunteers in 2009. The ceremony will be held at the SkyCity Convention Centre, Auckland, on Thursday 17 December and broadcast live on SKY Sport and The Rugby Channel.

A new name is being introduced for the award which annually recognises the great contribution volunteers make to community rugby. The winner of this year’s volunteer award will be honoured with the Charles Monro Rugby Volunteer of the Year trophy, named after the man who introduced rugby to New Zealand. Nominees are Otago’s Blair Crawford, Auckland’s David Hickey and Peter Te Tai from Southland.

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2010 Rebel Sport Super 14 squads named

Posted on Nov 11, 2009 in Rugby News

The five New Zealand squads in the 2010 Rebel Sport Super 14 were announced at a special event in Auckland today.

Coaching teams for the Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Crusaders and Highlanders and New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) officials spent the last two days finalising their squads for the new season.

NZRU General Manager Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen said there was great strength across all five squads with an injection of new blood, and the retention of experienced players.

“The abundance of quality talent has made this a very challenging process. However, it is great that the franchises have worked solidly through this process in a deliberate and professional manner,” Mr Sorensen said.

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