Rugby: Bryn Gatland signs as Chiefs reveal 2021 Super Rugby team

Bryn Gatland’s decision to sign with the Chiefs for the next three years was made without his father’s involvement.

Warren Gatland will step down as the Chiefs coach for a year to lead the British and Irish Lions in their series against the Springboks. He will return to the Super Rugby franchise in 2022 for the final two years of his contract, with Bay of Plenty coach Clayton McMillan taking over for the 2021 season.

The younger Gatland, who is returning to the region where he began his career as an NPC, says that when he started talking to the team, his father did not want to get involved as Bryn’s deal was concluded without Warren’s knowledge.

“Once he approached me [by the Chiefs] and my dad found out that I was getting closer, he basically stayed completely out of the way and they wanted to keep him completely away too.

“That was a good thing for me. That I am not here next year can be a benefit for me, give me the opportunity to establish myself as a player and not have the scrutiny of the outside media. People are going to talk, and I will try not to. look at it. “

The couple’s contracts end after the 2023 Super Rugby season, giving them two years to work together. Aside from the fact that he’s her father, Bryn says playing for such an established coach is exciting.

“We have conversations as a father and son about the game and personal things, but actually I’m very excited to see what he is like in a proper training environment because I haven’t had it. When it comes down to it, obviously it will be a different situation. for us and our family.

“I’m sure we will be able to challenge ourselves.”

Gatland, 25, will make up a third of the Chiefs’ top-five contingent for the 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa season, alongside Kaleb Trask and Rivez Reihana.

Brodie Retallick’s sabbatical means the blocking group is pretty slim, with Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 21, and Tupou Vaa’i, 20, the more seasoned options.

Most of the team’s class resides in the loose forwards, with Sam Cane, Lachlan Boshier, Luke Jacobson, Pita Gus Sowakula and Mitch Karpik in the books.

Chiefs Super Rugby 2021 Squad: Nathan Harris, Bradley Slater, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Sione Mafileo, Atu Moli, Ollie Norris, Reuben O’Neill, Aidan Ross, Angus Ta’avao, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Josh Lord, Laghlan McWhannell, Tupou Vaa’i, Kaylum Boshier , Lachlan Boshier, Mitchell Brown, Sam Cane, Pita Gus Sowakula, Luke Jacobson, Mitchell Karpik, Simon Parker, Xavier Roe, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Brad Weber, Bryn Gatland, Rivez Reihana, Kaleb Trask, Anton Lienert-Brown, Alex Nankivell, Bailyn Sullivan, Quinn Tupaea, Jonah Lowe, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Shaun Stevenson, Chase Tiatia, Sean Wainui.