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The Chiefs have announced the retention of props Aidan Ross and Angus Ta’avao who have both re-signed.
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The front row receives a long-term boost with Ross and Ta’avao signing on until 2021 and 2020 respectively.
Aidan Ross is very familiar with the Chiefs environment, having progressed through the Chiefs Development programme before entering the 2018 Super Rugby season with a full contract. The Bay of Plenty prop impressed, playing seven games, before his season was abruptly ended with an ankle injury. The young prop made his debut for the Chiefs in 2017 as a squad replacement player against the Western Force, and has gone from strength to strength since.
The front rower was ecstatic to re-sign with the club.
“I’m absolutely stoked to recommit to the Gallagher Chiefs – I couldn’t imagine playing my footy anywhere else and I’m pumped to crack into next season,” Ross said.
Ross represents Bay of Plenty in the Mitre 10 Cup and has played for the New Zealand U20 team and was also in the squad for the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians game against the British & Irish Lions in 2017.
Angus Ta’avao came into the team as a squad replacement player and was hugely significant throughout the season, playing 17 games and clocking up over 1100 minutes. Ta’avao’s contribution both on and off the field didn’t go unnoticed, picking up the Chiefs Personality Award at the 2018 Chiefs Season Celebration.
The 28-year old is vastly experienced, having played for the Blues and Waratahs throughout his career, as well as being a prominent figure for Taranaki in the Mitre 10 Cup.
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Ta’avao thoroughly enjoyed his first season with the team and is excited for the seasons to come.
“It’s an exciting time for my family and I as we thoroughly enjoyed our first season with the Chiefs family and it is great to sign on.”
Now in the off-season, the Chiefs players will return to their provincial unions for Mitre 10 Cup duties, as well as our All Blacks players who will enter camp ahead of the Rugby Championship. The Mitre 10 Cup kicks off on the 16 August and the All Blacks will play their opening game of the Rugby Championship against the Wallabies on Saturday 18 August in Sydney.
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