January 25, 2013
Chiefs retrace path of Tainui
Rugby franchise the Waikato Chiefs have adopted a novel approach to pre-season training, sending the squad on a journey to places associated with the Tainui waka.
Players and management travelled from Waihi Beach to Kawhia on foot, by bikes, kayaks, and partly by car, completing eight gruelling events in the process.
Coach Dave Rennie says the team is developing a focus on the historical Māori elements that make up the area.
"I guess we wanted something to get personal meaning from and understand who we are and who we represent. We wanted the boys to not just get across the region and meet the people but also experience what the countryside has to offer," he says.
Last year's Chiefs pre-season training had players hitchhiking from Hamilton to Ohope.
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