Former All Blacks flanker Adam Thomson with former All Blacks first-five Steven Donald. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Former All Black Adam Thomson and former Tonga international Sona Taumalolo complete the Chiefs Manawa coaching group for the next Super Rugby Aupiki season.
The pair join fellow former Chiefs players, head coach Dwayne Sweeney and assistant Carla Hohepa.
Chiefs chief executive Simon Graafhuis said they were pleased to have such a wealth of experience joining the franchise.
"We are thrilled to have Sona and Adam return to the club as coaches for our Chiefs Manawa. The door is always open to our past players, and we are glad to have coaches of their calibre come back to contribute to the club in other ways after their on-field careers.
"It will be an exciting season for our Super Rugby Aupiki team with both a star-studded coaching team and playing group. There is a wealth of knowledge surrounding our team which should put them in good stead for the season. We look forward to seeing what they achieve," Graafhuis said.
Thomson played for the Chiefs, Rebels, Reds and Highlanders throughout his Super Rugby career, as well as the NZ Barbarians, World XV and All Blacks.
After moving to Hamilton for an opportunity with the Chiefs in 2020, Thomson played a season for Waikato before hanging up the boots.
Turning his focus to coaching he took on an assistant coach role with Waikato's NPC team alongside Sweeney.
"I'm excited to join Dwayne Sweeney's coaching team at the Chiefs Manawa in 2025. He's an exceptional head coach, driven to enhance the jersey of the Manawa and shows deep care for his players, staff, and team environment. It is an honour to be a part of his vision to strengthen the legacy of this great club," Thomson said.
Taumalolo made his Chiefs debut in 2009, was part of the 2012 championship-winning side and played a total of 52 games for team club before heading overseas to play in France.
Born in Tonga, he represented his home country for 22 games, as well as the Barbarians and the World XV on the international stage. He is also the uncle of former Chiefs prop Ben Tameifuna.
"I am grateful to be back with this great club that means so much to me. I am looking forward to working with the players, coaches, and management and having a successful 2025 season," Taumalolo said.
The Chiefs Manawa team have now begun their pre-season training ahead of their Super Rugby Aupiki season kickoff on 1 March in Hamilton.
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