Rugby: Bruce joins overseas exodus

Chiefs midfielder Callum Bruce has signed a two-year deal with Japanese club Cannon. Photo / Getty Images

Chiefs midfielder Callum Bruce leaves this weekend to start a two-year contract with Japanese rugby club Cannon.

Bruce, 26, formerly from Otago and the Highlanders, played 26 games for Waikato in the national championship and 35 games for the Chiefs in Super rugby.

Waikato coach Chris Gibbes said Bruce, a former New Zealand Maori and Junior All Blacks representative, would be missed.

"Brucey has been a solid campaigner for Waikato over the past two years. His leadership and professionalism was second to none.

"He filled an important role for Waikato at the end of last year, and was a big influence on turning our season around.

He'll be a loss for Waikato Rugby, but we wish him all the best for his new career in Japan."

Meanwhile Gibbes has named a 30-player pre-season training squad to prepare for the upcoming national championship.

They are:

Forwards - Toby Smith, Nathan White, Latu Talakai, Hikairo Forbes, Vern Kamo, Kalem Chan Boon, Chris Middleton, Toby Lynn, Matt Van Leven, Kent Fife, Adam Cathcart, Jordan Smiler, Jack Lam, Jono Armstrong, Murray Iti, Steven Setephano, Alex Bradley.

Backs - Brendon Leonard, David Bason, Malcolm Barnes, Sam Christie, Christian Lealiifano, Trent Renata, Chauncy Edwardson, Dylan Collier, Frank Halai, Tim Mikkelson, Henry Speight, Save Tokula, Declan O'Donnell.

They will be joined by Liam Messam, Romana Graham, Dwayne Sweeney and Jackson Willison once their New Zealand Maori commitments are over.

New Zealand under-20 players Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Rory Grice, Glen Robertson will come in once they finish their world junior championship campaign.

Stephen Donald, Ben May and Sitiveni Sivivatu were not considered because of injury.

Mils Muliaina, Aled de Malmanche and Richard Kahui are on international duty.

- NZPA