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Local legend and World Cup hero returns to Super Rugby

Stephen Donald. Photo / Getty Images

Today the Chiefs announced Stephen “Beaver” Donald would return to play for the side for the 2019 Super Rugby Season.

Head Coach Colin Cooper said he was delighted to have the veteran first five-eighth and local legend return to the Chiefs whanau.

“We are pleased to have Stephen Donald the Beaver re-join our Chiefs whanau for 2019. He is a great team man who brings a wealth of experience and mana to our side. He is a good conductor of the game and will deliver for the team when provided the opportunity.”

Donald said he is looking forward to returning to play for the Gallagher Chiefs and can’t wait to get back into it.

“I am stoked to be able to come back and play for the Chiefs this season. There is a great group of lads to work alongside and I hope I can play my part in supporting the team both on and off the field.”

“I’m looking forward to putting on the jersey again to proudly represent the club and our loyal supporters,” said Donald.

Chiefs Rugby CEO Mike Collins said he knows the announcement will be popular with both supporters and the team.

“Stephen is a legend within the Chiefs region, most certainly a fan favourite for our supporters. We are rapt he is returning to the Club this year. We will greatly value his contribution, both on and off the field.”

Donald made his Super Rugby debut for the Gallagher Chiefs against the Waratahs in 2005, the first five-eighth was one of the most prolific points scorers in New Zealand, scoring the most points in the 2007 Super Rugby competition and the second most points in 2008, behind Dan Carter. 2008 marked his All Blacks debut against England at Eden Park. Donald most commonly recognised for his 2011 Rugby World Cup penalty goal kick to secure the All Blacks World Cup victory over France at Eden Park. Later in Donald’s career, he captained the Gallagher Chiefs to their historic 2016 win against Wales. He has also had a stint playing in Japan and for English Premiership team, Bath.

The Gallagher Chiefs will kick off their Investec Super Rugby season on Friday 15 February at 7.35pm against the Highlanders at FMG Stadium Waikato.

Rugby World Cup City Guides – Oita:

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Nickers 25 minutes ago
Scott Robertson responds to criticism over All Blacks' handling errors

I thought we made a lot of progress against that type of defence by the WC last year. Lots of direct running and punching holes rather than using width. Against that type of defence I think you have to be looking to kick on first phase when you have front foot ball which we did relatively successfully. We are playing a lot of rugby behind the gain line at the moment. They are looking for those little interchanges for soft shoulders and fast ball or off loads but it regularly turns into them battering away with slow ball and going backwards, then putting in a very rushed kick under huge pressure.


JB brought that dimension when he first moved into 12 a couple of years ago but he's definitely not been at his best this year. I don't know if it is because he is being asked to play a narrow role, or carrying a niggle or two, but he does not look confident to me. He had that clean break on the weekend and stood there like he was a prop who found himself in open space and didn't know what to do with the ball. He is still a good first phase ball carrier though, they use him a lot off the line out to set up fast clean ball, but I don't think anyone is particularly clear on what they are supposed to do at that point. He was used really successfully as a second playmaker last year but I don't think he's been at that role once this year. He is a triple threat player but playing a very 1 dimensional role at the moment. He and Reiko have been absolutely rock solid on defence which is why I don't think there will be too much experimentation or changes there.

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