The Chiefs have today announced the Chiefs Development training squad and programme for 2013 which includes three matches in March.
The side will play first class matches against the Blues Development team followed by matches against Tonga 'A' and Samoa 'A' as part of the IRB Pacific Rugby Cup.
The Chiefs Development training squad includes a wider group of selected ITM Cup players and younger players from the Chiefs region to receive skills coaching sessions by Chiefs coaches Dave Rennie, Tom Coventry, Andrew Strawbridge and Wayne Smith together with the Chiefs Development team coaches Johnny Walters, Carl Hoeft and Dave Dillon. Bay of Plenty Coach Kevin Schuler, Waikato Coach Chris Gibbes and Counties Manukau Coach Tana Umaga will also provide Resource Coach assistance at trainings when available.
The Chiefs Development teams to play the matches in March will be selected from the Development training squad players together with available Chiefs squad and wider squad players.
Chiefs High Performance Manager Chris Tindall said "The Chiefs Development programme is an important part of the Chiefs season and our approach of working together with our Chiefs region Provincial Unions in the identifying, coaching and development of players across the Chiefs region for ITM Cup and Super Rugby."