Brodie Retallick to join Sam Cane as Chiefs co-captain

David Skippers

during the New Zealand All Blacks Captain's Run at Westpac Stadium on August 26, 2016 in Wellington, New Zealand.

Chiefs head coach Colin Cooper has announced that lock Brodie Retallick will join flanker Sam Cane as the team’s co-captain for the 2019 Super Rugby season.

Cane has co-captained alongside Charlie Ngatai and Aaron Cruden for the past three seasons and has continued to thrive as a leader of the Chiefs both on and off the field.

With a 106 caps to his name Cane continues to lead from the front with his strong work ethic and knowledge of the game.

He will miss the start of the season due to a neck injury sustained while on duty for New Zealand in a Rugby Championship match against South Africa in Pretoria last year.

His return to the field will be welcomed near the end of April.

Cooper said Cane and Retallick both lead by example and hold a huge amount of respect among the team.

“Sam and Brodie have been a part of the Chiefs team for a number of years now,” he told the Chiefs’ official website.

“They both bring great values, work ethic and leadership to our team.

“Brodie has earnt a huge amount of respect among the player and management group. With his consistent performance leadership, he is a natural fit to work with Sam.

“Like Brodie, Sam is very experienced and well respected by our players and management. We have no doubt together they will drive our team performance both on and off the field.”

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27-year-old Retallick will join Cane who has co-captained the team since 2016. Retallick has been a formidable member of the Chiefs since his debut in 2012, and played his role in the Chiefs 2012 and 2013 Super Rugby title wins alongside Cane.

Just shy of a 100 caps for the Chiefs Retallick has been a proven leader on the field with his power, athleticism and rugged defence. The 2.04m lock has notable attacking ability and collected the 2018 IRP Try of the Year at the 2018 World Rugby Awards for his outstanding try against the Wallabies.

Retallick humbled by the announcement said he was excited to lead a great pack of young men alongside Cane.

“I am privileged to be able to co-captain alongside Sam. It is a huge honour to have the role and definitely a big responsibility but one I am really looking forward to,” he said.