Chiefs in big Japanese deal
The current back-to-back Super Rugby champions, the Chiefs, have entered a high performance partnership with Japanese club the Kobelco Steelers.
The Chiefs' exclusive Japanese partnership agreement will provide a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship for the Chiefs and the Kobelco Steelers.
The arrangement will involve high performance development exchanges between the two clubs.
The Kobelco Steelers coaches and players will visit the Chiefs during the Super Rugby season and Chiefs coaches and team management staff will head to Japan during the Kobelco Steelers' season.
Chiefs CEO Andrew Flexman said this is an important relationship.
"We believe it provides genuine value for both the Chiefs and the Kobelco Steelers," Flexman said.
"From a Chiefs perspective it aligns with our strategic objectives around fostering international relationships and continuing to develop our brand globally."