Rugby: Loyal Chiefs to play on

The Chiefs have re-signed six current players for upcoming seasons.

Utility back Gareth Anscombe and prop Ben Tameifuna have recommitted until next year while back Andrew Horrell and hooker Rhys Marshall, prop Pauliasi Manu and lock Michael Fitzgerald have all re-signed until 2015.

Chiefs' coach Dave Rennie says they are all good players but more importantly, good men.

"We've been impressed with the contribution they have made to our club and are rapt they are committing beyond this year."

Popular prop Tameifuna is proud to call Chiefs country home. "The coaching and the support the Chiefs environment provides is the best I have come across and they know how to get the best out of their players," he says.

Anscombe is grateful for the faith the defending champions have shown in him and New Zealand's Investec Super Rugby top point scorer has excelled in the Chiefs environment.

The first-five, who has spent much of the season playing out of position at fullback, is delighted to have been offered a contract.

"I am enjoying the culture and the challenging environment which I believed has helped grow my game and my confidence," he says.

The Chiefs snapped up former New Zealand under-20s hooker Marshall and identified the 20-year-old as being a player with great potential.

Due to injury, Marshall was given his first start before playing any ITM Cup matches and he has revelled in the game time he has received this year.

The Chiefs play the Hurricanes tonight at Waikato Stadium.