Rugby: Chiefs to play March trio

The Chiefs development training squad and programme includes three matches in March.

The side will play first class matches against the Blues Development team followed by matches against Tonga 'A' and Samoa 'A' as part of the IRB Pacific Rugby Cup.

The training squad includes a wider group of selected ITM Cup players and younger players from the Chiefs region to receive skills coaching sessions by Chiefs coaches Dave Rennie, Tom Coventry, Andrew Strawbridge and Wayne Smith, together with the Chiefs development team coaches Johnny Walters, Carl Hoeft and Dave Dillon. Bay of Plenty Coach Kevin Schuler, Waikato Coach Chris Gibbes and Counties Manukau Coach Tana Umaga will also provide resource coach assistance at trainings when available.

Chiefs development team matches will be played on Sunday, March 10 v Blues Development at Eden Park kick off TBA; Saturday, March 23 v Tonga 'A' at Te Kuiti, kick off 2.45pm; Thursday, March 28 v Samoa 'A' at Albert Park, Te Awamutu, kick off 5.15pm.

Tickets to the matches will be available on match day at the gate.