A one-year deal, and a homecoming
The Chiefs spent part of the week teasing a contract announcement on social media. They confirmed it on Thursday. Taha Kemara joins on a one-year deal for 2027, leaving the Crusaders behind.
Kemara is a first five-eighth who has represented New Zealand U20 and the Maori All Blacks. He debuted in Super Rugby on 11 March 2023, coming off the Crusaders bench against the Fijian Drua, and forced his way into the starting side the following season before injury interrupted the climb.
He came back this year and held a regular starting spot alongside Rivez Reihana. Both earned selection for the Maori All Blacks against a Japan XV on 27 June.
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The stadium he grew up in
The move takes Kemara back to Hamilton, where he had already returned for the provincial season with Waikato.
“When I was year 7 I used to come and kick a ball here by myself and picture playing at a packed out Waikato Stadium for the Chiefs,” he said. “It’s about making that kid proud, making his dream come true.”
Chiefs coach Jono Gibbes framed the signing around fit rather than flash. “It ticks all the boxes for us with his quality, Super Rugby experience and values,” he said, adding that wanting to be near family gives any Chiefs player a solid base.
Waikato host Canterbury on Saturday
The 23-year-old was the Crusaders’ 2022 U20s Player of the Year. He filled in at both first five-eighth and fullback across his time in Christchurch, which gives Gibbes a playmaker who can cover more than one shirt.
Waikato sit fifth in the NPC after five rounds with a 3-2 record, and Kemara has driven a fair chunk of that. The timing of the announcement carries its own edge, because Waikato host defending champions Canterbury at FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday evening. Kemara lines up against a pack of former teammates days after confirming he is leaving them.
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