Japanese Raid continues in New Zealand
TRANSFER NEWS: Chiefs lock Michael Allardice and utility back Tiaan Falcon have become the latest New Zealand players to head to Japan.
The Chiefs revealed the duo have signed deals with Japanese Top League club Verblitz.
The two New Zealanders will join former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, who is the Director of Rugby at Verblitz.
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The twenty-eight-year-old second-rowe has been a significant contributor to the Chiefs and has grown to become a reliable performer and leader since his 2015 debut against the Highlanders. Allardice has even stood in to captain the Chiefs when needed.
Allardice is grateful for the opportunity to have donned the Chiefs jersey.
“It has been an absolute privilege for my family and I to be a part of the Chiefs organisation for the past six years. Having had the honour to pull on the jersey and share the field with some of the greats and play in front of such passionate Chiefs fans are memories I will cherish for years to come.”
“While my family and I are excited to experience the Japanese culture at Verblitz, we will be forever grateful for the opportunities and lifelong friendships made during our time with the Chiefs,” finished Allardice.
Allardice will be joined by 22-year-old Falcon at Verblitz. The electrifying utility back debuted for the Chiefs in 2018 against the Blues.
Unfortunately, Falcon went through the injury mill in 2019, rupturing his achilles tendon in pre-season training, which ruled him out of the 2019 Super Rugby season. Falcon returned to rugby later that year to have a standout season with his Hawke’s Bay Mitre 10 Cup side before returning to the Chiefs this year.
Falcon was thankful for the time spent with the Chiefs.
“Although I didn’t get the chance to run out with the team as much as I would of liked, I’ve really enjoyed the culture at the Chiefs and the friendships I have made in Hamilton over the last three years.”
“The opportunity to play in Japan really excites me. It will be great to continue to develop my game while seeing another part of the world,” said Falcon.
Chiefs Rugby Club Chief Executive Officer Michael Collins wished Allardice and Falcon all the best for their future endeavours abroad.
“We wish both Michael and Tiaan all the very best in Japan. Michael is a great leader and has demonstrated his leadership having captained the Chiefs on several occasions. Tiaan has been a great team man, despite having been side-lined with injuries he has been a great contributor off the field.”
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