Double Super Rugby champions the Chiefs have announced that they will continue to use a co-captaincy system in 2014 with Liam Messam and Aaron Cruden acting as co-captains.
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Inspirational loose forward, All Black and last year’s Super Rugby Final’s Man of the Match, Liam Messam will remain part of the captaincy duo and will be joined by talented No 10 Aaron Cruden.
Dave Rennie said, “Liam has been huge for us. He has an enormous work ethic and has led us to back-to-back championships. He is an uncompromising player and a leader who epitomizes Chiefs Mana. ”
“Aaron has been a massive influence in our success to date. His rugby knowledge, attitude and ability to direct a game is impressive. He is greatly respected, a natural leader and will thrive with this added responsibility. ”
25-Year old Cruden showed outstanding form for the Chiefs in their back-to-back winning seasons. This was officially acknowledged when Cruden won the Chiefs Player of the Year two years in a row. He captained the New Zealand Under 20’s to a World title win in 2009 and captained Manawatu at the age of 20.
Cruden is happy to be awarded the role of co-captain. “It is a huge honour to co-captain the team with Liam. We have clear goals that we want to achieve and know it’s important that we work harder than ever in order to reach those, ” said the All Black.
Liam Messam is the highest capped Chief with 113 matches and Aaron Cruden has played 36 matches for the Chiefs.
The Chiefs will play their first pre-season match against the Queensland Reds in Toowoomba this Saturday evening 6pm Australia time before heading to Rotorua on Valentines Day to play the Blues at 6pm at Rotorua International Stadium.