Bryn Gatland to join Japanese club Kobelco Kobe Steelers next season

Chiefs first five-eighth Bryn Gatland will be heading to Japan for a stint with Kobelco Kobe Steelers in 2024.

Bryn, son of Wales head coach Warren Gatland, made his first class debut with provincial side Waikato in 2015 and switched to North Harbour in 2016.

He also represented Blues and Highlanders before switching to Chiefs in 2021 but has been sidelined by a distal bicep tendon rupture that he sustained in the round 11 of the ongoing Super Rugby Pacific season.

Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan expressed disappointment on Gatland's season with Chiefs ending with an injury and wished him good luck for his stint in Japan.

"Bryn has been an excellent Chief over the last three years,’’ McMillan said.

“He is an experienced and calm tactician, an outstanding goal kicker and a tough defender. These qualities will serve him well as he embarks on the next phase of his rugby journey.

"I am gutted for Bryn that injury prematurely ended his season and the potential for higher honours because he deserved it. We wish him well with his recovery and the opportunity in Japan.”