Chiefs and North Harbour fly-Half Bryn Gatland will play his rugby in Japan next year after it was confirmed that he will be joining the Kobelco Kobe Steelers.
Gatland will make the shift alongside his Chiefs team-mate, All Blacks second-row Brodie Retallick, who announced his departure to the Steelers earlier this year.
Praised by Chiefs coach
Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan was full of praise for Gatland who joined the men from Hamilton in 2020.
“Bryn has been an excellent Chief over the last three years,” he told the Chiefs’ official website. “He is an experienced and calm tactician, an outstanding goal kicker and a tough defender.
“These qualities will serve him well as he embarks on the next phase of his rugby journey.”
Gatland was in fine form during the Chiefs’ 2023 Super Rugby Pacific campaign but his season was cut short when he suffered a distal bicep tendon rupture in the Round 11 victory against the Highlanders in Dunedin.
“I am gutted for Bryn that injury prematurely ended his season and the potential for higher honours because he deserved it. We wish him well with his recovery and the opportunity in Japan,” said McMillan.
Gatland grew up in the Waikato region and started his rugby career at Hamilton Boys High School. He soon joined Waikato for the New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship, before he made went on to represent North Harbour in that competition.
He has made more than 50 appearances at Super Rugby level and initially represented the Blues and Highlanders, before making the move to the Chiefs where he made most of his starts.
Gatland said: “Goodbyes are never easy, but it’s time for me to move on to a new challenge and experience in my career.
Dream fulfilled
“I’ve loved my time at the Gallagher Chiefs and want to thank everyone involved in helping fulfil the dream of a 10-year-old kid born and raised here.
“This team will always hold a special place in my heart and I will always continue to support from wherever I am.”
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