KEY POINTS:
The Chiefs are exploring the potential of an alliance with clubs in the Northern Hemisphere.
While it is very much in its infancy at the moment, French club Toulouse has hosted Chiefs CEO Gary Dawson and coach Ian Foster with the possibility of forming a link to the Waikato based franchise.
Foster says Toulouse is one of the biggest clubs in terms of revenue, crowds and performance so it is an alliance they want to start building as sharing ideas is a positive move for any organisation.
Foster says the plan is for members of the Toulouse coaching staff to spend time with the Chiefs during next year's Super 14.
Foster is hopeful the Chiefs can grow by talking to other clubs and schedule pre-season games in the future, although that would have to be weighed up against the travel costs. He believes it is important for the franchise to plan for whatever the future of rugby holds in this part of the world.
Foster has also had two stints assisting Welsh glamour club Ospreys. The Junior All Blacks co-coach spent a total of five weeks helping interim coach Sean Holley. His time at Ospreys sparked a whisper that he was a possible contender for the vacant head coaching role at the club, but Foster says there was no thought of a longer stay in the Valleys.
Foster says his time with Ospreys allowed him to look at coaching from a different point of view.
- NEWSTALK ZB
