All Blacks speedster with ‘massive potential’ signs Chiefs and New Zealand Rugby contract extension

The Chiefs have been bolstered after it was announced that All Blacks flyer Emoni Narawa has extended his contract with the Hamilton-based outfit and New Zealand Rugby until the end of 2026.

Narawa has once again been in excellent form for the Chiefs this season as he has already scored eight tries in just seven appearances for them.

A superb finisher

His superb finishing skills puts him amongst the leading try-scorers in this year’s Super Rugby Pacific competition.

Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan is delighted that the one-Test All Black will continue his career with his team.

“It is fantastic that Emoni has recommitted to the Gallagher Chiefs for the next few years. He has always had massive potential, and it has been a real pleasure seeing that talent realised over the last few seasons, exemplified by his selection as an All Black in 2023,” he told the Chiefs’ official website.

Narawa is the latest outside back to sign a new Chiefs contract, with fellow attacking threats Shaun Stevenson and Etene Nanai-Seturo re-committing to the club towards the end of 2023.

“Emoni has an unbelievable ability to see space and create opportunities for himself and others. He is a valued team member and a real character who contributes significantly both on and off the field,” said McMillan.

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“Many people have contributed to Emoni’s journey, but none more so than his young family. They have given him stability and a real purpose in life and we are grateful they too will continue to be a part of the Chiefs whānau.”

Narawa is looking forward to be continuing his career with the Chiefs.

“I’m really blessed and grateful for the opportunity to extend my time with the Chiefs until 2026. This club is our family and has definitely helped me become the player that I am today. God is good, excited for what’s to come,” he said.

The 24-year-old, who was born in Fiji, initially played for the Blues in Super Rugby before joining the Chiefs in 2022.

Try-scoring Test debut

After shining during the Chiefs’ 2023 Super Rugby Pacific campaign, Narawa was called up to the All Blacks‘ Rugby Championship squad and made a try-scoring Test debut against Argentina in Mendoza last year.

He was included in New Zealand’s 2023 Rugby World Cup squad but did not feature at the global showpiece after suffering a slipped disc in his back during a pre-tournament training session.

The disc hit a nerve and he lost feeling in his left leg but he has recovered and returned to action with the Chiefs.

READ MORE: All Blacks flyer thriving again after devastating Rugby World Cup injury