The Chiefs added to their Super 14 firepower yesterday when All Black utility Mils Muliaina agreed to transfer to Waikato.
Muliaina completed the paperwork while in South Africa, a deal which will see him play one final season for Auckland in the NPC before moving to a two-year deal for
Waikato in the new premier NPC division.
That change of allegiance will bring Muliaina into the Chiefs selection catchment area for the expanded Super 14 series starting early next year.
It will give coach Ian Foster further options in his back four, where he has the pace of Manu Samoa international Sailosi Tagicakibau and All Blacks Soseni Anesi and Sitiveni Sivivatu this year.
The Chiefs also have the skills of established test halfback Byron Kelleher and the rising talent of Stephen Donald and Niva Ta'auso.
Auckland and Waikato made new offers last week to the 25-year-old Muliaina, who was a surprise choice on the left wing ahead of Joe Rokocoko for the All Blacks' test against the Springboks in Cape Town on Sunday.
Under New Zealand Rugby Union rules, Muliaina's transfer would have cost Waikato $75,000, while the Herald understands the player will accrue an annual six-figure NPC deal.
There has been speculation that fraud allegations involving Muliaina's girlfriend and former Auckland Rugby Union employee Hayley Armstrong were behind the All Black's decision to move.
Armstrong was the ARU events manager until December. She was investigated by the police fraud squad before the ARU withdrew a complaint to show support for Muliaina.
Muliaina's exit follows the recent departures from Auckland of other All Blacks, Carlos Spencer, Xavier Rush, Rico Gear, Kees Meeuws, Sione Lauaki and Mose Tuiali'i.
ARU chief executive David White said the union accepted Muliaina's decision, but were disappointed to lose a player of his ability and experience.
"Auckland rugby worked very hard and exhausted all avenues to secure Mils' services for the future," White said.
"Our contract offer was one of the most attractive we have put to any player in my time at the union.
"Unfortunately, this has not been enough to keep him in the Auckland province."
