Rennie set to remain big Chief

 

The 51-year-old, who guided the club to back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013, looks set to be locked in for another two years in the role.

 

CEO Andrew Flexman said Rennie had proven himself over the three years he had been with the franchise.

 

"I still think he's got a whole lot to offer our environment and without actually been able to confirm it's a done deal, things are progressing in a positive way," he said.

 

Rennie, who has indicated he's keen to stay, said the Chiefs' future looks promising.

 

"We have got a lot of really good people here who are really passionate and excited about the Chiefs, so that makes it an exciting place.

 

"We've got some good young kids coming through and it would be nice to stay and spend a bit of time with them and hopefully help with their development."

 

Having Rennie sign on for an extended stay would be a bonus for the Chiefs, following assistant coach Tom Coventry's decision to leave for London Irish at the end of the season.

 

Wayne Smith's return to the All Blacks has also left a massive void to fill.

 

But Flexman is in no rush to find any replacement for the assistant coaching positions, despite rumours that Counties' Tana Umaga and Hawke's Bay's Craig Philpott are in the mix.

 

"Internally we have discussed some names that could be in the frame to replace them. As I say, we think there are some live and good options out there.

 

"To be honest we haven't progressed it to any extent just yet, but certainly in the next couple of months we are intending to do so."