Friday, 20 January 2012
NEW Chiefs coach Dave Rennie announced co-captains for the 2012 season on Tuesday.
Liam Messam and Craig Clarke will share the captaincy for the Super XV season which begins at the end of next month.
Dave Rennie said: “Liam and Craig are both players who will bring great values, work ethic and leadership to their roles as co-captain.”
With a 24-week season, Dave Rennie and his management team decided that having a dual role would offer better continuity for the side.
“It is a long season and this decision will allow the co-captains with their complementary skill sets, to share the extensive load.”
Twenty-seven-year-old Messam has played 79 games for the Chiefs and is the captain for the New Zealand Maori and ITM Cup finalists Waikato. Clarke is also the captain of his provincial side, Taranaki who lifted the Ranfurly Shield in 2011. The 28-year-old has played 58 super rugby games which include 41 for the Chiefs.
The co-captains will be strongly supported on and off the field by the Chiefs leadership group of Tanerau Latimer, Richard Kahui, Mahonri Schwalger and Aaron Cruden.
Lock, Craig Clarke commenting on his new role said: “It is a huge honour to have the role and it is pretty unique to be able to share it with Liam.”
Messam said: “I’m rapt to be involved in a captaincy role again this year.
“It is an exciting new era for the Chiefs which I am stoked to be a part of. It is a big responsibility taking over Mils’ shoes, but one I am really looking forward to.”