Chiefs announce co-captain to partner Sam Cane

With Sam Cane returning to the fold following a frustrating injury last season, the Chiefs have announced a co-captaincy structure for 2022.

Cane will be joined by fan-favourite Brad Weber, who stepped into the leadership role on a temporary basis last season during Cane's absence.

31-year-old Weber debuted for the Chiefs in 2014 but quickly impressed with his snappy passing and running game and found himself sharing halfback duties with All Black Tawera Kerr-Barlow. Weber has now amassed 98 caps for the Chiefs and will likely become the eighth player to earn centurion status for the club this season.

Cane, meanwhile, has been the Chiefs' permanent captain since 2017, job-sharing with Aaron Cruden, Charlie Ngatai and Brodie Retallick over the past few years.

After leading the Chiefs to a Super Rugby Aotearoa final last year, Weber has his sights set on taking home the Super Rugby Pacific crown in 2022.

"I’m really looking forward to leading the team with Sam again this season, he’s a top man that I love working alongside," Weber said. "We, along with the rest of the leadership group are ready to lead us to go one better this year."

“We have a quality squad and quality coaching group," said Cane. "We have a great mix of experience and exciting young talent and I am honoured to be asked to co-captain the Gallagher Chiefs again with my good mate Brad. It’s a big season ahead and we can’t wait to rip in.”

Coach Clayton McMillan suggested it was an easy decision elevating Weber into a more permanent captaincy role after his strong work last year while also singing the plaudits of Cane, who bounced back from his injury to feature on the All Blacks' end-of-year tour.

“Brad is respected immensely in our team and his experience is invaluable," McMillan said. "He did a great job leading the team last season especially in Sam’s absence. I have every confidence in his leadership abilities again this season to help lead us to another final.

“Sam is a true Gallagher Chiefs man through and through and has already given a huge amount to our club and jersey. He is a real asset to our squad and has a lengthy history of displaying world class leadership. We believe both Brad and Sam will complement each other well and have a great rapport with both players and coaches.”

The Chiefs are set to take on the Highlanders in the opening round of the Super Rugby Pacific season this weekend with the matchday squad due to be announced later this morning.