mens
super-rugby-pacific
The Bosses have signed All black people XV prop Tevita Mafileo on a two-year deal, bringing in the former Hurricanes the big man is back at the club where he made his mark Super Rugby Pacific debut.
The 28-year-old played just one season at Hamilton before moving to the Hurricanes, where he made a name for himself over seven seasons and made 11 appearances in this year’s title run.
The versatile front-rower can play on either side of the scrum and spent most of 2025 in camp with the All Blacks, although he never made his debut.
A move to Chiefs state will allow Mafile to step out of All Blacks prop at the Hurricanes, where Tyrel Lomax, Pasilio Tosi, Xavier Numia and Siale Lauaki are the leading contenders for minutes and all wore the All Blacks jersey in 2026. Mafileo joins Newcastle Recruit Pouri Rakete-Stones to leave the Canes’ front row stock.
For the Chiefs, Mafile’s arrival solidifies a front row unit that lost Reuben O’Neill to the West Force and John Garlic Rochelle.
Mafileo, one of New Zealand’s most respected scrummagers, said he was looking forward to seeing what he could achieve in Chiefs colours.
“It’s a great honor and a privilege to be back for the Chiefs. It’s a great opportunity for me to see what I can do over the next few years. I’m excited to get involved and try to meet the new guys and the old guys who are still there.”
Gallagher Chiefs head coach Jono Gibbes was delighted to welcome Mafile back to the FMG Stadium.
“There’s a lot of strong talent in Chiefs Country and it’s great to see guys wanting to come back and play. Tevita brings an incredible knowledge of the game, a strong work ethic and years of experience in Super, NPC and All Blacks environments. It’s great to have the opportunity to bring him back.”