Last month, he was reported to be missing rugby in New Zealand and keen to play out his days here.
He has links to both the Blues and Chiefs but his time with the latter franchise, their success this season, a vacancy on their roster and the challenge of filling a new position, were all said to have sparked Muliaina's and the Chiefs' interest.
He played 49 games for the Blues and then 55 for the Chiefs as he captained them through their last three seasons.
Chiefs assistant coach Wayne Smith was reported to be intrigued by Muliaina's thoughts about a return to the franchise and his ability to cover a range of backline roles.
Muliaina is 32 this month and plays for NTT Docomo.
Having finished second after losing their final round match to the Hurricanes, the Chiefs host the winner of tonight's playoff match between the Reds and the Sharks, in Hamilton next Friday night.