Rugby: Rennie re-signs with Chiefs

Dave Rennie has signed on for another two years as coach. Photo / File

Head coach Dave Rennie has extended his contract with the Chiefs Rugby Club for another two years.

Chiefs CEO Andrew Flexman said, "With Dave re-signing to 2017 it provides great continuity for our club, players, fans and stakeholders. Dave is a great man who has made a big difference to our organisation since he joined in 2012 and we have absolute confidence that he will continue to drive strong results for the Chiefs.

"Dave has not only delivered the club's first two Investec Super Rugby titles, but he also has a great understanding of the people in our communities which is a really important part of who we are.

"We believe Dave is the best placed to deliver on our goals of winning Super Rugby titles and unifying and inspiring the people we represent.

Despite speculation of moving offshore, Rennie said, "I am very happy here".

"We have a great group of young talented men with excellent character, so I was pretty keen to stay and be a part of their development."

Since taking over at the Chiefs, Rennie has led the side to back-to-back Investec Super Rugby championship titles in 2012 and 2013 and made the play-offs in 2014. In addition to seven new Chiefs making the All Blacks and another two earning re-calls, Rennie has introduced 39 new players to a Chiefs jersey.

New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew said retaining coaches of the calibre of Rennie was a top priority.

"Dave is a world class coach and the results on the field speak for themselves. He enjoys huge respect from players and fans, and right across the rugby community ..."

The Chiefs season kicks off on Saturday, February 14 against the Blues at North Harbour Stadium, with the Chiefs' first home game the following week on Friday, February 20 at Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth against the Brumbies. The Chiefs have two pre-season matches. The first one will be against the Blues in Whangarei tonight, and the other will be against the Waratahs in Sydney on Friday, February 6.