Clayton McMillan re-signs with Chiefs through to 2026

Following their perfect start to this year’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign, the Chiefs have officially re-signed head coach Clayton McMillan through to 2026.

McMillan has played a key role in the Chiefs’ Super Rugby resurgence over the last few years, which has seen them go from New Zealand’s worst side to the competitions ladder-leaders.

Before replacing Warren Gatland in the Chiefs’ hot seat, the Hamilton-based outfit placed last in the 2020 season of Super Rugby Aotearoa. That year, they didn’t win a game.

But McMillan took the Chiefs to the Aotearoa decider during his first season in charge a year later, as well as a Super Rugby Pacific semi-final in 2022.

McMillan said “it was an easy decision” to renew his contract with the Chiefs and New Zealand Rugby.

“It was an easy decision to extend my current contract with the Chiefs Rugby Club and New Zealand Rugby,” McMillan said in a statement.

“We have an incredible staff, coaching and management team, and playing roster who are aspirational and care deeply about the people and region we represent.

“It is rewarding to work in this organisation. My family and I are grateful for the opportunity to keep playing a part in it.”

The Chiefs started their Super Rugby Pacific campaign with an emphatic win over defending champions the Crusaders in Christchurch.

Since, they’ve climbed to the top of the ladder after a run of seven wins – including victories over New Zealand rivals the Highlanders, Blues and Hurricanes.

“We have a very young squad who have been through some adversity, learned some valuable lessons, and that is serving us well now and will do into the future,” he added.

“We are well advanced in our recruitment for the years ahead and I am excited to be a part of that journey.

“But for now – our focus is firmly on improving our game week to week and hopefully putting it all together when it really matters at the back end of this season.”

The Chiefs reinstated their championship credentials last weekend with a promising win over the Hurricanes at Wellington’s Sky Stadium.

Going into that clash, the Hurricanes sat atop of the ladder, while the Chiefs were coming off the bye.

But a Damian McKenzie masterclass spurred the Hamilton-based side onto a convincing 33-17 away from home.

Chiefs Rugby Club CEO Simon Graafhuis said the organisation is “extremely pleased with the early contract extension.”

“We are obviously extremely pleased with the early contract extension with Clayton,” Graafhuis said.

“He is a fantastic coach and individual who we believe will have a significant impact on the Gallagher Chiefs squad, Chiefs Rugby Club and New Zealand Rugby into the future.

“Having world-class people in the Chiefs organisation is crucial for our future success. Clayton and his coaching team have a unique ability to create a connection and special culture within the playing group and management team.

“We are starting to see the benefit of consistency of coaching group and plying squad, so locking in Clayton and some of the key playing talent provides us with certainty into the future.”

The Chiefs will look to keep their unbeaten streak alive when they host Fijian Drua at FMG Stadium on Friday evening.

- Chiefs/Press Release