Chiefs to welcome back stalwarts

Liam Messam and Tim Nanai-Williams will return to the Chiefs for the 2017 Super Rugby season after stints in Japan.

Messam is the most capped Chiefs player in history, with 146 appearances, and has signed for the next two seasons.

The 32-year-old loose forward wasn’t originally part of the 2016 squad, but made a shock return to the team late in the season after missing out on the All Blacks Sevens team for the Olympics.

Nanai-Williams will also return to the Chiefs after leaving at the end of the 2015 season to play for the Ricoh Black Rams in Japan.

The 27-year-old utility back has played 77 matches for the Chiefs, has represented both New Zealand and Samoa in sevens, played for Samoa at last year’s World Cup, and has signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs.

The 2017 Chiefs squad will be announced next Wednesday, with the players to assemble on December 1.

 Watch out boys, Chiefs are getting stronger

 ...great news JW,.,,Rennie is one smart cookie so am expecting him to recruit some more great talent in the off season as well...

Go Chiefs! All teams better keep an eye on the Blues as next season they will be much improved.

 Don't see O Cruzzzz on the list.

  Cruden is signed through until 2017 so it will be important to keep him. If he get's game time with the ABs it may keep him in NZ & therefore the Chiefs may be able to keep him beyond 2017.