Chiefs announce new captain for 2019 Super Rugby season

Veteran lock Brodie Retallick is set to co-captain the Chiefs alongside long-standing skipper Sam Cane throughout the upcoming 2019 Super Rugby season.

The 27-year-old second rower has been named as the franchise's co-captain in place of Charlie Ngatai, who has departed for French Top 14 club Lyon, and will take full leadership duties in the absence of Cane, who is still recovering from the broken neck he suffered against the Springboks during the Rugby Championship last year.

Chiefs assistant coach Tabai Matson told Fairfax that Cane was not expected to return for the Chiefs until April or May, meaning Retallick will lead the Hamilton-based club in their season-opener against the Highlanders at Waikato Stadium on February 15.

“Sam and Brodie have been a part of the Chiefs team for a number of years now. They both bring great values, work ethic and leadership to our team," coach Colin Cooper said in a statement on the club's website.

“Brodie has earned a huge amount of respect among the player and management group. With his consistent performance leadership, he is a natural fit to work with Sam.

“Like Brodie, Sam is very experienced and well respected by our players and management. We have no doubt together they will drive our team performance both on and off the field.”

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