Chiefs have to hitch-hike to training in Bay

A pretty smile and $10 will get you a long way these days.

Well that's what Chiefs players Tim Nanai-Williams and Shane Cleaver were hoping.

The two Super Rugby players and the rest of the squad started their week-long training camp in Ohope yesterday, having to hitch-hike from Hamilton to Ohope.

As part of a team-building exercise, all the players were given only a cellphone and $10 and told to make their way to Ohope Top 10 Holiday Park.

Nanai-Williams and Cleaver managed to hitch a ride to Rotorua where they hooked up with Hennessy's Bar owner Reg Hennessy who offered the two weary travellers lunch before they set off around the town to complete a couple of tasks the Chiefs' managers had set them.

THUMBS UP: Chiefs players Tim Nanai-Williams and Shane Cleaver look to hitch a ride to Ohope as part of a team-building exercise for the Chiefs. PHOTO / Andrew Warner

It included getting photo evidence of the pair serving lunch at a Subways cafe, getting a picture of someone getting their head shaved and a picture of the two players in a pool.

Several of the businesses leapt to the players' assistance such as Wilson's Barber Shop and the Polynesian Pools.

Cleaver, who plays prop, said he was impressed with the generosity shown by Rotorua locals during their visit.

"It's been a good experience getting out there and meeting people. Everyone we've met have been really kind."

Nanai-Williams said the team were surprised by the hitch-hiking exercise but had enjoyed taking part in it.

"It gives [the players] and the public the chance to meet us outside of rugby."

The players had until 5pm to make it to Ohope. However, Nanai-Williams said it was not a race and he was confident they would be able to make it in time.

During the week-long camp the public are invited to attend the Chiefs' open training session at Whakatane Rugby Club on Thursday from 11.30am to 1pm where players will be available to sign autographs. The squad will also be running a coaching clinic the same day for a group of invited young players at Rex Morpeth Park from 3.30pm till 5.30pm.

On Friday at 11.30am the public are again invited to take part in a fun run to the top of the hill at Popular Lane, Papamoa Hills Regional Park with the Chiefs players where a group photo will be taken.

The camp signals the start of All Black Aaron Cruden's first week with the Chiefs.

Newly signed Aaron Cruden (L) and Toby White get their thumbs out ready to hitch hike to Ohope.