The Chiefs’ front-row stocks have received a boost with the news that props Aidan Ross and Angus Ta’avao have re-signed with the team.
Ross and Ta’avao have re-committed until 2021 and 2020 respectively.
Ross is very familiar with the Chiefs environment, having progressed through the University of Waikato Chiefs Development programme before entering the 2018 Super Rugby season with a full contract.
The Bay of Plenty prop impressed, playing seven games, before his season was abruptly ended with an ankle injury. The young prop made his debut for the Chiefs in 2017 as a squad replacement player against the Western Force, and has gone from strength to strength since.
The front-rower was ecstatic to re-sign with the club.
“I’m absolutely stoked to re commit to the Gallagher Chiefs – I couldn’t imagine playing my footy anywhere else and I’m pumped to crack into next season,” he said.
Ross represents Bay of Plenty in the Mitre 10 Cup and has played for the New Zealand U20 team and was also in the squad for the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians game against the British & Irish Lions in 2017.
Ta’avao came into the team as a squad replacement player and was hugely significant throughout the season, playing 17 games and clocking up over 1100 minutes. Ta’avao’s contribution both on and off the field didn’t go unnoticed, picking up the Chiefs Personality Award at the 2018 Chiefs Season Celebration.
The 28-year-old is vastly experienced, having played for the Blues and Waratahs throughout his career, as well as being a prominent figure for Taranaki in the Mitre 10 Cup.
Ta’avao thoroughly enjoyed his first season with the team and is excited for the seasons to come.
“It’s an exciting time for my family and I as we thoroughly enjoyed our first season with the Chiefs family and it is great to sign on,” he said.