The Chiefs head coach Dave Rennie has extended his contract with the Super Rugby franchise for another two years, ending speculation he would move overseas.
Bundee Aki and Dave Rennie celebrate in the dressing room after winning the 2013 Super Rugby Final. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Rennie took over at the Chiefs in 2012 and won the Super Rugby title that year and defended it in 2013.
Despite speculation that he'd move offshore, Rennie has signed on to 2017 and says he's very happy at the Chiefs.
He says they have a great group of young talented men with excellent character, so he's keen to stay and be a part of their development.
Chiefs CEO Andrew Flexman says Rennie's signature provides great continuity for the club, players, fans and stakeholders.
Flexman says he has a great understanding of the people in their communities which is an important part of who they are.
He says they believe Rennie is best placed to deliver on their goals of winning Super Rugby titles and unifying and inspiring the people we represent.
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew says retaining coaches of the calibre of Rennie is a top priority.
Tew says to keep producing winning All Blacks teams, they need the other levels of the game to be firing on all cylinders and it's coaches like Dave that make a huge contribution to our continued success.
The Chiefs season officially kicks off on Saturday February 14th against the Blues at North Harbour Stadium.