Chiefs: Mike Rogers to lead team’s international talent development

Mike Rogers has joined the Chiefs Rugby Club in a pathways and international academy role. Photo / George Novak

Former Manawatū head coach Mike Rogers has joined the Chiefs Rugby Club in a pathways and international academy role.

The newly created role will see Rogers lead the development of a Chiefs academy that will have a focus on attracting talent from overseas, while current head of pathways Kent Currie will continue to identify talent locally.

Rogers’ own business, Inside Running Academy, in which Chiefs athlete development coach Liam Messam is also a shareholder, will work alongside the Chiefs to assist them in identifying international talent.

Rogers said he was excited to join the Chiefs in the new role.

“Ultimately, we want to field the best teams possible every season, so the earlier we can identify exciting talent and put them on the path to becoming Chiefs, the better,” he said.

“We will continue to support our provincial unions and the talent coming through our region, but by opening our doors internationally, we are ensuring that we aren’t overlooking any players who could help us reach our main goal of inevitably winning championships.”

The extensive coaching experience that Rogers has with Bay of Plenty, the New England Free Jacks in the United States, as well as Manawatū, will be a valuable skillset to develop this next generation of talent through specialised training, the Chiefs said.

Chiefs chief executive Simon Graafhuis said he was thrilled to have Rogers on board.

“Mike’s knowledge and skillset are unique and will allow us to take this next step in expanding our Chiefs Pathway beyond our shores,” he said.

“He has a wealth of experience running commercial programmes domestically and internationally, and his coaching skillset will be an asset for players on the ground. His passion and connection to the Chiefs region make him a great addition to the team.”