Taha Kemara leaves Crusaders for Chiefs

Taha Kemara will leave the Crusaders and join the Chiefs for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season after signing a one-year agreement with the Hamilton-based franchise.

Taha Kemara signs with Chiefs for 2027

The 23-year-old first five-eighth will make the move north after deciding the opportunity to return closer to his family in Waikato was the right step at this stage of his career.

Kemara has been part of the Crusaders environment while also maintaining strong links with Waikato rugby, having represented the province in the NPC since 2022.

The Te Awamutu-born playmaker said he was grateful for the support he had received from the Crusaders throughout the process of arranging his departure.

Chiefs move brings Kemara closer to home

The switch represents something of a homecoming for Kemara, who attended Hamilton Boys’ High School and previously featured in the Chiefs Under-20 programme.

He was named the Chiefs Under-20 Player of the Year in 2022 before continuing his development with Waikato and eventually establishing himself at Super Rugby level with the Crusaders.

Kemara has also represented New Zealand at Under-20 level and played for the Maori All Blacks.

Crusaders support Kemara departure

Crusaders head coach Scott Hansen said the club supported Kemara’s request to return closer to his family.

“We pride ourselves as an organisation for the care we have for our players as well as our people, and we support Taha who has requested to be back closer to his family," said Hansen.