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Chiefs Manawa search for 2027 coach as Dwayne Sweeney moves on
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The Chiefs Manawa are on the lookout for a new Super Rugby Aupiki head coach for 2027, with current coach Dwayne Sweeney stepping down.
The former Chiefs and Waikato player has coached the team for two seasons and has been pivotal in the growth of several Aupiki players who have become Black Ferns.
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The 42-year-old is set to pursue career opportunities both on and off the field, feeling as though the time was right to step away.
Sweeney led the Hamilton-based franchise to a third-place finish in 2025, before going winless in the recent 2026 Super Rugby Aupiki season.
“I have some exciting personal opportunities I wish to pursue. In doing so, this will make me unavailable to fill the requirements of the position of head coach,” Sweeney said on Friday.
“I’m excited about what we’ve built over the last couple of years and have been working on setting the team up for what will be a competitive 2027 season.”
Chiefs Rugby Club General Manager of Rugby, Wayne Maher, said it’s a brilliant opportunity for Sweeney to grow as a head coach.
“While we’re naturally disappointed to see him go, we’re equally excited for Sweens as he takes on this next chapter, and he leaves with our genuine thanks and very best wishes.”
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