Super Rugby 2021: North Harbour's Bryn Gatland heading home to Chiefs

North Harbour first-five Bryn Gatland will link up with the Chiefs in Super Rugby for the next three years, shifting from the Highlanders.

The former Hamilton Boys High School playmaker starred for Harbour during the Mitre 10 Cup, leading all points-scorers with 119 points.

Gatland will play under fill-in coach Clayton McMillan in 2021 while father Warren is away on international duty with the British and Irish Lions.

"I’m really excited to pull on the Chiefs jersey next year and return home to family and friends to where I grew up and started my rugby dream," Gatland says.

"It will be a special moment if I get to pull on the Chiefs jersey, and if it happens, I will do what I can to add to the legacy that is behind the jersey and club."

McMillan says Gatland's addition to the squad is a major boost to their playmaking options with Aaron Cruden having departed at the end of Super Rugby Aoteraoa.

"Bryn was an instrumental figure in a very combative North Harbour team this year," McMillan says.

"He has proven to be a calm tactician, astute goal kicker, and is not shy of standing up in clutch moments. We believe he will be an asset to our Chiefs squad, and I look forward to watching him further develop his game in our environment."

The full list of 2021 Super Rugby squads will be announced on Thursday.