Chiefs Manawa welcome Adam Thomson and Sona Taumalolo
Chiefs Manawa will kick-off their Super Rugby Aupiki season on 1st March
©PA
Former All Black Adam Thomson and ex-Tongan international Sona Taumalolo have been named as new additions to the Chiefs Manawa coaching team for the upcoming Super Rugby Aupiki season.
The duo joins head coach Dwayne Sweeney and assistant Carla Hohepa, forming a star-studded coaching lineup for the franchise.
Chiefs CEO Simon Graafhuis expressed his excitement about the appointments, highlighting the value of their expertise: “We are thrilled to have Sona and Adam return to the club as coaches for our Chiefs Manawa.
"The door is always open to our past players, and we are glad to have coaches of their calibre come back to contribute to the club in other ways after their on-field careers."
He added that the combination of an experienced coaching group and a talented playing squad positions the team well for a successful season.
Thomson, a seasoned Super Rugby veteran who represented the Chiefs, Highlanders, Rebels, and Reds during his career, has transitioned seamlessly into coaching.
After retiring in 2020 following a season with Waikato, Thomson joined the NPC team as an assistant coach, working alongside Sweeney.
Sharing his excitement about the new role, Thomson said: “I’m excited to join Dwayne Sweeney’s coaching team at the Chiefs Manawa in 2025.
"He’s an exceptional head coach, driven to enhance the jersey of the Manawa and shows deep care for his players, staff, and team environment.
"It is an honour to be a part of his vision to strengthen the legacy of this great club.”
Taumalolo, a pivotal player in the Chiefs' 2012 championship-winning season, brings both international and domestic experience to the coaching group.
The Tongan-born prop played 52 games for the Chiefs before continuing his career in France. On the international stage, he earned 22 caps for Tonga and also represented the Barbarians and the World XV.
With Taumalolo’s family ties to Chiefs rugby—he is the uncle of former prop Ben Tameifuna—his return adds further depth to the team’s rich legacy.
