Super Rugby centurian and All Black Adam Thomson plus Tonga international Sona Taumalolo have completed the Chiefs Manawa coaching group for the 2025 Super Rugby Aupiki season.
They join fellow former Chiefs, Head Coach Dwayne Sweeney and assistant Carla Hohepa for an experienced quartet in international and domestic rugby.
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Thomson played for the Gallagher 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 Gallagher 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.”
A Chief since 2009, Taumalolo was part of the 2012 championship-winning side and played a total of 52 games for the 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 Gallagher Chiefs prop Ben Tameifuna.
Taumalolo is thrilled to be part of the coaching lineup and the franchise.
“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.”
The Chiefs Manawa team have now begun their pre-season training ahead of their season kickoff on 1 March at FMG Stadium Waikato.