Taranaki and Maori All Blacks coach Colin Cooper has been appointed head coach of the Chiefs for the 2018 season in an initial three-year deal.
Cooper will succeed current coach Dave Rennie who will leave the Chiefs at the conclusion of the 2017 Super Rugby season for the green grass of Scotland where he'll take over Pro12 side Glasgow Warriors.
Cooper brings a wealth of experience to the Chiefs including a coaching career spanning 20 years involving eight seasons at the Chiefs' rivals the Hurricanes.
Cooper said his focus would be on improving the culture at the Chiefs.
“I strongly believe that establishing a cohesive team culture where our people are constantly striving to become better people as well as better players, coaches and administrators is the only way to create meaningful long-term success," Cooper said.
“I’m really looking forward to joining the Chiefs in 2018 and contributing to the proud, competitive and successful legacy of the Club.
The announcement gives some certainty to the future of the franchise beyond 2017 after current Lions and Wales boss Warren Gatland was rumoured as recently as Monday to be considering the position.
Cooper was appointed coach of the Maori All Blacks in 2013 and will continue to lead the side in 2017 including when the team takes on the British and Irish Lions on their tour to New Zealand in June.
He will also remain with Taranaki until the end of the 2017 Mitre 10 Cup.
Newshub.