Rugby World Cup star to captain Chiefs in Sam Cane’s absence
Chiefs star Luke Jacobson looks on.
All Blacks back-row Luke Jacobson has been named as captain of the Chiefs for the upcoming 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Jacobson takes over from fellow All Blacks Sam Cane and Brad Weber who are both not with the club at the moment. Cane has only left on a short-term deal to Japan and will miss the whole Super Rugby Pacific season whilst the latter has made the move to France in the colours of Stade Francais.
New role
The new skipper is vastly experienced with over 50 caps for the team since running out for the first time in 2018 and he will be looking to use his role within the Chiefs to push for a more prominent role in Scott Robertson’s All Blacks side as the team enters a new era.
Jacobson admits it is something he has not looked for but it is a role he is very proud to be handed and is looking to inspire the side to a title this season.
“It’s not really a role I search for but one I’m bloody proud to fill. I’m looking forward to working with the team and doing everything we can to go that one step further this year,” he said.
Jacobson has been in the Chiefs’ leadership group for some time and has skippered the side on occasion. However, Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan expects his new captain to leave his own mark.
“Luke is also no stranger to captaincy, having led the team with aplomb on several occasions over the last few years,” he said.
“He will have learned plenty…but is his own man and will no doubt cut his own path.”
The Chiefs begin their Super Rugby Pacific campaign against reigning champions the Crusaders on February 23 in a replay of last season’s final.