Gatland swaps Highlanders for Chiefs
TRANSFER NEWS: The Chiefs confirmed the signing of flyhalf Bryn Gatland until 2023.
Born and bred in Hamilton, the former Hamilton Boys’ High School player will return from the deep south to join the Gallagher Chiefs for the upcoming Super Rugby Aotearoa and Trans-Tasman Competitions.
The 25-year-old had an impressive Mitre 10 Cup campaign with North Harbour, finishing as the competition’s leading points scorer with 119 points.
Gatland said he was looking forward to joining the Chiefs for the upcoming season.
“I’m really excited to pull on the Chiefs jersey next year and return home to family and friends to where I grew up and started my rugby dream.
“It will be a special moment if I get to pull on the Chiefs jersey, and if it happens, I will do what I can to add to the legacy that is behind the jersey and Club.”
#ICYMI: @AllBlacks and #Chiefs hold onto to star https://t.co/lmCHVAHg7n
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) December 1, 2020
Gatland made his Super Rugby debut against the Hurricanes for the Blues in 2017. Following two seasons with the Blues, Gatland headed south to the Highlanders following an impressive performance for the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians in 2018.
Gatland thanked the Highlanders and their community for his time in the deep south.
“I really enjoyed my time down south, especially the people down there and I want to thank the Highlanders for the opportunity and memories over the last two years.”
Chiefs Head Coach Clayton McMillan said Gatland is a welcome addition to the squad.
“Bryn was an instrumental figure in a very combative North Harbour team this year. He has proven to be a calm tactician, astute goal kicker, and is not shy of standing up in clutch moments. We believe he will be an asset to our Chiefs squad, and I look forward to watching him further develop his game in our environment.”
The 2021 Chiefs Squad will be officially announced on Thursday, December 3.
Mr Clutch Bryn Gatland has been winning rugby games at Forsyth Barr Stadium since aaaages ago.#SuperRugbyAotearoa pic.twitter.com/j9Jvqa28cj
— Super Rugby (@SuperRugbyNZ) June 14, 2020
