Rugby: Chiefs stick with co-captains

Liam Messam and Craig Clarke will co-captain the Chiefs again this season. Photo / Getty Images

The Chiefs have stuck with a winning formula and reappointed Craig Clarke and Liam Messam co-captains for the upcoming Super Rugby season.

The defending champions kick off their pre-season campaign against the Highlanders in Taupo on Saturday and coach Dave Rennie saw no need to tinker with the leadership of his team.

"They are both top blokes who compliment each other, work hard and bring a different skill set to the side,'' Rennie said. "Having co-captains worked really well for us last year, so we decided to continue with it. As far as leaders go, these two are highly respected by us all and epitomise what Chiefs mana is all about.''