[h=3]The back-to-back Investec Super Rugby champions have re-signed former Chiefs No 8/lock Kane Thompson and Wellington lock Ross Filipo for the 2014 season.[/h]The back-to-back Investec Super Rugby champions have re-signed former Chiefs No 8/lock Kane Thompson and Wellington lock Ross Filipo for the 2014 season.
Thirty-one year old Thompson returns to the Chiefs after one season in Japan with the Canon Eagles while Filipo extends his time with the Chiefs having been with the side last season.
Dave Rennie appreciates the experience the 1.98m Investec Super Rugby winning duo will offer his side.
Rennie said “Both of these players are bloody good men and quality players who have international experience. We have had a lot of Chiefs’ caps head overseas, so their experience will be invaluable.â€
Filipo is looking forward to another season with the current champions. “The Chiefs are a perfect fit for my family and I. We love the Chiefs culture, the team environment and I thoroughly enjoyed the environment, work ethic and attention to detail from the coaches,†said the youthful thirty-four year old.
The 114kg lock has played 4 tests and one game for the All Blacks and has been part of the Maori All Blacks since 2005. Filipo played two matches for the Chiefs, 45 for the Crusaders and 60 for Wellington. He has also played for Bayonne in France and Wasps in England.
Kane Thompson is 113kg and has played 26 games for Samoa, 13 games for the Chiefs and 15 for the Highlanders. He has played ITM Cup for Southland, Hawke’s Bay and Wellington. Thompson also played for U.S DAX in France.
