Chiefs official squad for 2017

Despite the departures of Pauliasi Manu, Siate Tokolahi and Hiroshi Yamashita, the Chiefs' propping stocks for 2017 still look a strong point, with Kane Hames' introduction last season a real plus. With Mitchell Graham also solid on the loosehead side, the Chiefs will look forward to the return of tighthead Nepo Laulala, who played four tests for the All Blacks last year, but whose knee injury ruled him out of the entire 2016 Super Rugby campaign.

Forwards: Siegfried Fisi'ihoi, Mitchell Graham, Kane Hames, Sefo Kautai, Nepo Laulala, Atu Moli, Hika Elliot, Nathan Harris, Liam Polwart, Michael Allardice, Dominic Bird, Brodie Retallick, James Tucker, Mitchell Brown, Lachlan Boshier, Sam Cane, Mitchell Karpik, Michael Leitch, Liam Messam, Tom Sanders, Taleni Seu.

Backs: Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Finlay Christie, Brad Weber, Aaron Cruden, Stephen Donald, Damian McKenzie, Johnny Fa'auli, Anton Lienert-Brown, Tim Nanai-Williams, Charlie Ngatai, Solomon Alaimalo, Glen Fisiiahi, James Lowe, Sam McNicol, Toni Pulu, Shaun Stevenson, Chase Tiatia.

In: Kane Hames (Chiefs replacement 2016, Tasman), Sefo Kautai (Waikato), Liam Polwart (Bay of Plenty), Mitchell Brown (Chiefs replacement 2016, Taranaki), Lachlan Boshier (Chiefs replacement 2016, Taranaki), Liam Messam (Sevens/Chiefs replacement 2016), Finlay Christie (Tasman), Johnny Fa'auli (Taranaki), Tim Nanai-Williams (Ricoh, Japan), Solomon Alaimalo (Northland).

Out: Pauliasi Manu (Blues), Siate Tokolahi (Highlanders), Hiroshi Yamashita (not contracted), Rhys Marshall (Munster), Johan Bardoul (Yamaha, Japan), Sam Henwood (not contracted), Tevita Koloamatangi (not playing), Maama Vaipulu (Leinster), Augustine Pulu (Blues), Kayne Hammington (Highlanders), Andrew Horrell (Coca-Cola, Japan), Seta Tamanivalu (Crusaders), Latu Vaeno (not contracted), Sam Vaka (not contracted).