McMillan to lead Chiefs through to 2026

Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan has extended his contract with the Chiefs Rugby Club through to 2026.

McMillan has taken the team from strength to strength since taking over the reins from Warren Gatland in 2021. He inherited a young side that made it to the Super Rugby Aotearoa final in his first season and the semi-finals of Super Rugby Pacific in 2022.

The Chiefs and Māori All Blacks head coach said: “It was an easy decision to extend my current contract with the Chiefs Rugby Club and New Zealand Rugby.

“We have an incredible staff, coaching and management team, and playing roster who are aspirational and care deeply about the people and region we represent.

“It is rewarding to work in this organisation. My family and I are grateful for the opportunity to keep playing a part in it."

McMillan, a former Police Officer, was a successful player in his own right, running out for Bay of Plenty over 100 times before becoming the Steamers' head coach, guiding them to the Mitre 10 Cup title in 2019.

In 2017 McMillan became head coach for the Māori All Blacks and in 2022 joined the All Blacks XV coaching team as an assistant coach for the Northern Tour.