Fruean axed to make way for SBW

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Robbie Fruean has been dropped from the Chiefs squad for Super Rugby next year following the return of Sonny Bill Williams.

Robbie Fruean has been dropped from the Chiefs squad for Super Rugby next year following the return of Sonny Bill Williams.

Coach Dave Rennie has confirmed that Fruean’s brief stint with the Chiefs has come as Waikato-based team are now well stocked with midfield options.

Fruean – who has defied a chronic heart condition and undergone two major operations to play at the highest level – joined the Chiefs after spending three seasons with the Crusaders, but struggled to secure a regular starting berth, scoring once in four appearances.

“He’s a great man but obviously we’ve got Sonny Bill coming back and we’ve picked up Seta (Tamanivalu), we’ve got quite a bit of size in midfield now and so our focus has been on specialist wingers and full-backs etc.” said Rennie on Friday.

While All Black centre Williams returns to the team with which he won the Super Rugby title after two years in Rugby League, Rennie also said winger Lelia Masaga won’t be returning from his stint in Japan.