Chiefs secure the future of star youngster on a long-term deal

The Chiefs have secured the services of star youngster Shaun Stevenson on a four-year deal that will see him stay at the Chiefs until the end of the 2023 Super Rugby campaign.

The 22-year-old has been a highly-touted prospect since coming through the ranks with Auckland Grammar at schoolboy level, and eventually made his debut for the Chiefs in 2016, the same year he played for New Zealand Under 20 after appearing for New Zealand Schools and Waikato at provincial level in the years beforehand.

Now in his fourth season with the Hamilton-based franchise, the North Harbour and Maori All Blacks flyer will extend his stay at Waikato Stadium through til the next World Cup in France, which he will undoubtedly want to be apart of.

However, in a statement made on the Chiefs' website, Stevenson focused his attention solely on his role with his club.

"I am pleased to have re-signed with the Chiefs," he said.

"It is a great club to be a part of. I play with a good group of guys and there is a great culture here. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else."

Chiefs coach Colin Cooper said that the future was bright for Stevenson.

"At only 22 years of age he is the future for the Chiefs," Cooper said.

"We expect he will deliver a number of good performances for our team in the years to come."

Chief executive Michael Collins was also pleased with securing Stevenson's signature given the ability the outside back has at his disposal.

"Shaun is a talented utility back and is a promising player with plenty to offer the Chiefs," Collins said.

"It is great to see we are continuing to retain our talent. We have already announced a number of players who have re-signed with the team including Michael Allardice, Nathan Harris, Lachlan Boshier and Mitchell Brown, it is great to have Shaun joining this group."

Stevenson has played 37 times for the Chiefs since his debut in three years ago, but has found himself out of favour so far this season following a poor start to the season, which contributed to the franchise's dismal five-match winless opening run.

However, he was named back in the starting lineup for last week's 47-19 defeat at the hands of the Hurricanes in Wellington, and is set to start for this Saturday's clash against the Highlanders in Dunedin.

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