Super Rugby Pacific: Kyren Taumoefolau joins Chiefs on two-year deal

The Chiefs have secured the services of promising winger Kyren Taumoefolau for the next two Super Rugby Pacific seasons.

The 22-year-old makes the move south from Moana Pasifika, where he scored 12 tries in 21 appearances after making his debut in 2024.

His career highlight came in Moana’s historic 27-21 win over the Blues, where he scored a hat-trick.

In May, the Herald first reported on Taumoefolau’s intention to sign with the Chiefs, where he will effectively replace Shaun Stevenson, who has departed for Japan.

The move to the Chiefs is set to enhance his prospects of playing for the All Blacks, although he can’t suit up for Scott Robertson’s side just yet as he represented Tonga at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

But by the next World Cup in Australia in 2027, he would be eligible for New Zealand, due to World Rugby’s current eligibility laws, with the rules now enforcing a three-year stand-down period.

Taumoefolau said he believes the move is right for him in his career development.

“I’ve loved my journey so far and I’m really proud of what I’ve been able to achieve with Moana Pasifika,” he said.

“When it came time to make a decision about what’s next, I took a lot of time to think about what was right for me and my whānau.

“Joining the Chiefs felt like the best option to keep growing and developing as a player. I’m excited for the next challenge and grateful for the opportunity to be part of a team and culture that I really believe in.”

New Chiefs coach Jono Gibbes said the team were excited to welcome Taumoefolau to the Chiefs.

“We know that he had plenty of options both in New Zealand and abroad, so to get the opportunity to continue to grow and develop his game in the next phase of his career is very exciting for us,” Gibbes said.

“It’s a responsibility that we take very seriously. Kyren is a player with immense potential, and he embodies many of the values we stand for.”

Taumoefolau is the first signing for the Chiefs for the 2026 season, while a host of players have already departed, including Aidan Ross (Reds), Bradley Slater (Blues) and Anton Lienert-Brown (Japan, sabbatical).