Rugby: Sonny days are here again

SBW' return and the signing of Taranaki centre Seta Tamanivalu ensures the Chiefs will be a different proposition to last season. Photo / NZH

The Chiefs have reloaded their roster for the 2015 Super XV competition in spectacular fashion in the wake of having their bid for a third successive title derailed in the playoffs by the Brumbies in Canberra last season.

The 38-man squad includes All Blacks Brodie Retallick, Aaron Cruden, Sam Cane and Nathan Harris, as well as former internationals and returning stars who should have large impacts on the franchise's fortunes.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie was pleased with the squad that would be at his disposal.

"We believe we have assembled a squad high in character, with impact, depth and versatility," he said.

"We expect this group of hard-working men to play a brand of Chiefs rugby that is entertaining for people to watch and will get results.

"We are pleased that our squad contains a number of players coming through our Chiefs development programme who are making the step up to Super Rugby."

There are 23 returning Chiefs players, with 21 of those from last year. The squad features 20 players from Chiefs provincial unions, with Johan Bardoul, Damian McKenzie, Toni Pulu, Seta Tamanivalu and Maama Vaipulu coming through the Chiefs development programme.

Ten of the Chiefs players played in the high-quality ITM Cup decider between Taranaki and Tasman.

Most importantly, the side is again stacked with strong, bruising ball-runners, ensuring the two-time champions will be more incisive and recycle ball at the breakdown more quickly.

Former All Blacks winger Hosea Gear is returning to New Zealand to play Super Rugby after stints in France and Japan, and with Sonny Bill Williams and Seta Tamanivalu should ensure opposition sides cannot drift off playmaker Cruden in the inside channel.

Brothers Damien and Marty McKenzie have been picked up, with Damien especially able to fill a utility role, while Augustine Pulu and Brad Weber will pick up the slack at halfback in the absence of injured All Black Tawera Kerr-Barlow.

In a great attraction for local fans of the Chiefs, Rotorua International Stadium will host the big match against the Bulls on May 22, while Hamilton hosts five games and New Plymouth two.