Wallace Sititi's signature boosts All Blacks' 2027 World Cup hopes

Breakthrough All Blacks star Wallace Sititi has put pen to paper on a new deal with New Zealand Rugby and the Chiefs.

The 2024 World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year will remain with his current club until at least the 2027 Rugby World Cup, meaning he will remain eligible for All Blacks selection throughout that period.

The 22-year-old’s signature will no doubt be celebrated by All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson, a former All Blacks flanker himself, who boldly rewarded Sititi’s rookie Super Rugby campaign with a call-up. That selection famously came at the expense of Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year Hoskins Sotutu.

Sititi missed the opening 10 rounds of the Super Rugby season through injury, but made an earlier-than-expected return for the title favourites. He expressed his gratitiude for the team with this new contract.

“Everyone can see how well we gel as a team and how well we connect. The Chiefs took my family in with open arms and welcomed us right from the start. We really feel at home here. I know my parents and my family enjoy being part of the team culture just as much as I do,” Sititi said.

“I love playing for the Chiefs. Their style of play suits me. There is still a lot of room for me to grow and develop as a player, and I think the best place for me to do so is here in New Zealand with the Chiefs.”

The support of Chiefs fans has meant a lot to the versatile loose forward, who is hoping to reward that support with a title come June.

“I really want to thank the fans for their support. I feel it whenever I run out onto the field and off the field, too. I’m looking forward to many more games and opportunities to connect with the Chiefs wh?nau. Hopefully, we can create more memories together over the next few years.”

Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan was thrilled to have his explosive young star locked in.

“Wallace is one of the most dynamic young players in world rugby. He’s shown incredible resilience to overcome injury and come back even stronger. The energy, skill, and physicality he brings to every game is infectious. We’re stoked to have Wallace locked in and leading the next generation of Gallagher Chiefs,” said McMillan.

“He brings a professionalism that lifts those around him, and he has strong leadership potential. He’s a player with a huge future, and to have his commitment to the Chiefs gives me confidence in the environment we’ve built and where we’re heading as a club.”