The Chiefs aim to make their Super Rugby clash against the Crusaders at the ANZ Stadium on July 1 a memorable one.

Exclusive ‘Chiefs Road Crew’ tour packages will be available soon for their fans in New Zealand that would like to be part of this special match which will be hosted by the Chiefs in Suva.

All 2016 members will go into the draw to win the ‘Ultimate Chiefs Experience’ which is a trip for two to Fiji to watch their team take on the Crusaders.

Chiefs Rugby chief executive Andrew Flexman said they wanted to connect with their supporters outside New Zealand.

“We are a truly regional team and cover a vast area so we want to connect with as many of our supporters as possible,” Flexman said.

Adding on the excitement are Fijian boys which includes Vodafone Flying Fijians duo Nemani Nadolo, Ben Volavola alongside former Redrock winger Jone Macilai and former national U20 rep Alex Hodgman in action for the Crusaders. The Chiefs will have the services of Setareki Tamanivalu and Japan captain Michael Leitch.

Nemani Nadolo

The Namatakula native made a huge impact on the Crusaders’ backline in 2014, ending the season as the competition’s joint top tryscorer (with Israel Folau).  It was his debut year with the Crusaders, although he had some Super Rugby experience under his belt having spent one season with the Waratahs in 2009.

He was a powerhouse again for the Crusaders in 2015 and has established himself as a firm fan favourite for his blockbusting play.

He also plays for the NEC Green Rockets in the Japan Top League, and has captained the Fijian Warriors team.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder rates Nadolo highly.

“Everyone knows how good the big man is. He has got a skill set that I don’t think I have seen in anyone before.

“He is a really charismatic individual off the field too and we are looking forward to having him with us again in 2016.”

Jone Macilai

The former Redrock winger was one of the new signings for the BNZ Crusaders in 2015, but a broken arm in a pre-season game meant his debut came later than expected.

Coach Todd Blackadder said they would assist Jone achieve his true potentials.

“Another of our Fijian flyers. He had a disappointing first season with the Crusaders because he broke his arm in the pre-season, but when he did come back from injury he scored a try with his first touch.

“This is going to be a really big year for Jone and we look forward to helping him reach his true potential.”

Ben Volavola

The Nabitu, Tailevu native will have a big task of filling the boots of Daniel Carter.

Alex Hodgman

The former Fiji U20 prop Hodgman came through the ranks of Canterbury’s youth system and graduated to their senior side for the 2014 ITM Cup. He made 9 appearances for the men from Christchurch during that campaign and his personal performances were rewarded when he was named in the Crusaders wider training group for the 2015 Super Rugby season

Chiefs

Seta Tamanivalu

Yasawa-I-Rara native and former Lelean U18 player Tamanivalu started his professional rugby career when he was named in the Taranaki squad for the 2012 ITM Cup. Tamanivalu was set to make his Super Rugby debut in 2015 after an impressive ITM Cup campaign in which Taranaki claimed the ITM Cup Premiership in his third year with the province, earning him a full squad contract with the Chiefs in their 2015 and 2016 campaign.

Michael Leitch

The New Zealander who has maternal links to Ra signed a deal to return to the franchise for next season’s Super Rugby competition. The captain of the Japan national side was a standout performer for the Chiefs this season, voted Rookie of the Year by his teammates.

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