The Chiefs sign Tana Umaga
The Chiefs have signed veteran centre Tana Umaga, permitting the 37-year-old to return to Super Rugby for the first time since 2007.
Umaga returned to New Zealand rugby earlier this year and was evidently impressive enough to deserve to be part of the 32-man Chiefs club, in their bid for next year’s championship.
Ian Foster, Chiefs coach, said, “After a number of conversations with Tana during the Counties-Manukau ITM Cup season, we are delighted to announce he will be with us for the 2011 season.
Umaga urged that he is excited about his place on the team.
"I am pleased that I am still able to contribute both on and off the field. Playing for the Chiefs was a good fit as I will be able to continue to work with some of the key Counties-Manukau players, like
Fritz Lee and Tim Nanai Williams.”
Umaga, a Super Rugby pioneer, has been involved with the franchise since its origin in 1996. He has taken part in over 300 games.
The centre brings a wealth of experience to the table. Umaga has played 74 tests for New Zealand between 1997 and 2005, and captained the All Blacks in 21 internationals in 2004.
Under Umaga’s guidance, the team won 19 of 21 games, including a clean sweep of the British and Irish Lions and the Grand Slam in 2005.
He also advanced the Steelers from their position last year as wooden spoon victors to ninth this year in the ITM Cup season, indicating his momentum as both a player and a backs coach.
"We've been really impressed with Tana as a player and his impact with Counties on his return from Europe,” Foster said.
"We believe he will be a valuable asset to the team as he brings a high level of experience, knowledge and leadership."
Umaga will be 38 for next year's competition.
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