Chiefs to play Wales

Wales will take on the Chiefs in Hamilton next year.

The Gallagher Chiefs will host 2015 Rugby World Cup quarter finalists Wales next June.

The June 14 match will be played at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton and is expected to draw huge interest given the region's connection with Welsh rugby.

Wales is coached by Hamilton's honorary ambassador and former Hamilton Boys High School student Warren Gatland and former Chiefs player Gareth Anscombe is in the squad.

"The combination of Wales' success and popularity at the current Rugby World Cup and Warren's connections to this region, will make for a very special match.

"We are thrilled to be able to provide this unique opportunity for our loyal fans and are grateful to the Welsh Rugby Union, New Zealand Rugby, Waikato Rugby Union and the Hamilton City Council for helping make this happen," said Chiefs chief executive Andrew Flexman.

Chiefs head coach Dave Rennie said the international match would fall in a crucial time for his side's Investec Super Rugby campaign.

"The chance for provincial players to play against international sides is a rarity in the professional era, so we are really excited by the challenge.

"Gats is hugely respected in this community so it's a nice fit for him to bring his Welsh team home to Hamilton to take on the Chiefs."

Gatland said it was great the Tuesday evening match had been confirmed.

"For the squad it will be a great opportunity to have further game time together ahead of the second and third tests against the All Blacks.

"For me personally it will be an honour to bring Wales to Hamilton and face the Chiefs."
The kick-off time will be confirmed shortly.

Gallagher Chiefs and Waikato rugby memberships are available with the option to include the Chiefs v Wales match. Current members are invited to renew now and new membership inquiries can be made through www.chiefs.co.nz.