Chiefs sign Jamie Mackintosh

[nickdnz]

Chiefs' coach Dave Rennie said "Jamie is a crucial signing for us. He is a bloody good man and we are rapt to have him.

"Jamie is an experienced player and a strong leader. We know he will be a major contributor both on and off the field and we are looking forward to working with him."

Mackintosh is excited by his new challenge. "My whole life I have been a real Southern man and to have the opportunity to work with a new group of guys, experience a new piece of New Zealand and learn about its people is very exciting.

"Loyalty is one of my strongest values, so it was a tough decision to leave a franchise that I have always called home. I would like to thank the Highlanders for being a huge part of my life and I will always be very proud to have played for and captained them – it was always a dream of mine growing up.

"In order for me to grow as a player I feel the time is right for me to have a change and I would like thank the Chiefs for showing faith in me and giving me this opportunity."

The 1.93m, 130kg prop will move to Hamilton at the end of the year after his ITM Cup campaign with the Southland Stags.

The Southland captain has played 92 matches for the Southland Stags, 67 for the Highlanders and one test for the All Blacks.

Also mentioned on Highlanders 2013 thread -

http://www.allblacks.com/news/22648/Chiefs-sign-Highlanders-prop-Jamie-Mackintosh

http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?28101-Highlanders-2013/page7

 

[Amobokoboko]

A good signing, good to see Rennie keep on building the team.

 

[Larksea]

yeah there doesn't seem to be an end to the chiefs recruiting power and things just seem to go their way.

it's hard to see this move being anything other than a success, while I'm gutted things just did not click with Toby Smith who I was dead set sure was going to be an All Black. Jamie I believe has the kind of personality and work ethic that will thrive at the chiefs. I think Joseph missed the boat with him and if anything Jamie would have been better off moving to the Blues for this season.

But the fact is now Jamie will be part of NZ's clear best franchise, so even though he's basically wasted a year he has the potential to put himself into a carrier best position next year.

What will be more interesting is what happens with Nonu?!

He has surely played his last game at the highlanders and the only logical move for him is to the Crusaders?!?!?... I actually think it would be a good fit, fact is Fruen is on the outer, no longer a starter and his carrier is heading for limbo. The crusaders may just have the structure that he needs to shine? Who knows... If you can't shine with Aaron smith and Colin Slade inside and Ellison, Gear and Ben Smith outside where will you shine? nonu's Super Rugby Carrier has turned into a disaster.

 

[admartian]

Was always seeing if Whopper could make the transition to the ABs. Hopefully this is it. Still not convinced of Crockett and Woodcock is getting on.

Hope he fulfills that potential at the Chiefs and hopefully at the ABs.

Who knows... If you can't shine with.... Ben Smith outside where will you shine? nonu's Super Rugby Carrier has turned into a disaster.

All that needs to be said.

 

[Larksea]

i actually think the problem is Ben Smith is so good at times he makes his team mates look pretty mediocre

been the story of the highlanders year, how often I've seen ben smith make a break, beat multiple defenders and make an awesome offload only for one of his team mates to knock on a simple catch soon after.

 

[Kiwiwomble]

a reall loss for the highlanders...he is only 28 i think he is probably only coming to his prime now...and he'll be doing to for someone else