The Gallagher Chiefs have been bolstered by two experienced additions to their squad ahead of their opening Investec Super Rugby match against the Crusaders this Saturday.
Following the loss of All Black prop Nepo Laulala and promising flanker Mitchell Karpik to season-ending knee injuries, depth has been restored with the
announcement that Japanese prop Hiroshi Yamashita and Counties Manukau openside Sam Henwood will join the Gallagher Chiefs squad as injury replacements for the 2016 Investec Super Rugby season.
"Sam had an impressive ITM Cup and was unlucky not to be selected for a Super Rugby team" said Gallagher Chiefs head coach Dave Rennie
"He's been playing in Portugal and is in good nick. Sam is ambitious, professional and excited to test himself at this level. Yama is an experienced international prop and has quickly made an impression since his arrival. He earned the respect of his teammates immediately through his work ethic and his sense of humour," he said.
Yamashita, 30, joins his Japan Rugby World Cup teammate and captain Michael Leitch in the Gallagher Chiefs squad. The tighthead prop joined the Chiefs environment under the high performance partnership between the Chiefs and Kobe based rugby club, the Kebelco Steelers.
