Mitch Brown the latest Chiefs player to depart ahead of 2023 season

Chiefs loose forward Mitch Brown will head to Japan at the end of the provincial season, with the 29-year-old signing a two-year deal with the Yokohama Eagles.

Brown debuted for the Chiefs in 2016 and has been an ever-present feature in the side when fit, playing at lock, flanker and number 8. Since first running out against the Crusaders, Brown has accumulated almost 60 appearances for the Super Rugby side. The versatile utility forward was also on hand when the Chiefs scored a historic 40-7 win over Wales in his debut season.

Brown has also been a mainstay in the Taranaki provincial side since debuting in 2012 and is set to hit the half-tonne mark come the end of the current NPC season.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity the Chiefs Rugby Club gave me back in 2016 as well for every opportunity that I got to pull the jersey on since, making great memories on and off the field," said Brown of his impending departure.

Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan was full of praise for Brown. "Ask anyone closely associated with the Chiefs in recent years, and they would stand Mitch alongside the legends of this club in terms of his contribution both on and off the field," he said. "He is the consummate team man - selfless, hardworking and humble.

"We will miss his presence, but if anyone deserves an opportunity to further their career offshore, Mitch is that man and we wish him well."

Brown will head to Japan later this year to play in the Japan Rugby League One that kicks off on the 17th of December.

Brown is the latest Chiefs player to announce their time at the franchise has come to an end, with outside backs Jonah Lowe and Chase Tiatia set to play for other Super Rugby Pacific sides in next year's competition. All Blacks playmaker Damian McKenzie is the only new confirmed signing for 2023, however McMillan will undoubtedly be in the market for a handful of new additions.

With Brown heading offshore, locks Naitoa Ah Kuoi and Tupou Vaa'i could be asked to play on the blindside flank at times throughout the coming season, but the likes of Samipeni Finau, Pita Gus Sowakula and Luke Jacobson can also all slot into the No 6 jersey if called upon.