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All Black Samipeni Finau puts pen to paper on Chiefs extension
By Ned Lester
The All Blacks and Chiefs will continue to have the services of abrasive young blindside flanker Samipeni Finau thanks to a new contract announced on Monday.
The new deal sees the 25-year-old remain with his familiar club and country until 2026.
Despite Finau's recent drop out of Scott Robertson's matchday 23, the flanker is expected to be a key part of the All Blacks' long-term plans thanks to his near two-metre-tall, 115kg frame and his propensity for burying opposing playmakers in the dirt.
Now with just shy of a half-century of Chiefs caps along with three All Blacks appearances, the Tongan-born powerhouse has carved out an important role for the back-to-back Super Rugby Pacific finalists.
“He has put in a lot of effort over the last few years to go from a relatively raw-boned athlete finding his feet in the professional ranks to becoming an All Black," Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan said after the deal was announced.
“As a Chief, he consistently has a positive influence on our game through his athleticism and desire for combat on both sides of the ball. He provides a good balance amongst our other loose forwards, and we know at his young age his best years are all in front of him. We are excited to be part of that journey.”
After missing selection for the Rugby Championship round two win over Argentina, Finau was released from All Blacks duties to represent Waikato in their NPC matchup with Counties Manukau.
Coming off the bench in the 48th minute, the flanker contributed nine carries and five carries without a miss.
He expressed his excitement to lock in his immediate future with the Chiefs.
“I’m grateful to be extending my time with the Gallagher Chiefs. This team and its brotherhood have helped shape me into the player I am today.
“I’m thankful for the opportunities the Chiefs family has given me and can’t wait to get back into it next year!”
Elsewhere in New Zealand, the Blues recently re-signed midfielder Bryce Heem for the 2025 season and the Crusaders locked in up-and-coming outside back Chay Fihaki through until 2026.
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Latest Comments
I was at this match. Jordie Barrett earned his money with a massive hit to slow a connaught attack to win the math when Leinster had 14 in the last few mins. Mack Hansen had a real go at the refereeing after citing a serious head hits on Iaone and Aki.
connaught were up for this. Snyman tried a trademark dirty after, and the onnaught 4 and the onnaught pack absolutely laid into him.
Leinster hose to kick to the corner when only winning by 5 with 10 left and qith only 2 tries scored. onnaught should have punisihed them for that utter stupidity after they broke out and Leinster yellowed to stop the attack.
13 changes from last week. It seems teams are scoring about 10 points less against Leinster this year. With Neinaber in his second year, the new attack coah established, surely they will be a bigger threat in champions up? Or will the attack recgress further.
They must adopt the SA philosophy of take your 3 pointers and the bonus points will come.
connaught back line inluding Iaone, Murphy, Aki, Forde, cordero is the seond best in Ireland surely. Leinster were lucky here
Go to commentsShould have played more for England but he jumped ship just as he was breaking through.
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