11 Oct 2013

Chiefs boost loose forward stocks

6:43 pm on 11 October 2013

The Chiefs have re-signed former No.8/lock Kane Thompson and Wellington lock Ross Filipo for the 2014 season.

Thompson returns to the back-to-back Super Rugby champions after the 31-year-old missed the 2013 season while in Japan with the Canon Eagles, while Filipo was with the side last season.

Coach Dave Rennie says the twin 1.98 metre forwards will boost his team, both have international experience and with a lot of Chiefs' caps heading overseas, their experience will be invaluable.

Filipo, who's 34, has played four tests and one game for the All Blacks and been part of the Maori All Blacks since 2005 as well as playing for the Crusaders and Wellington. He has also played for Bayonne in France and Wasps in England.

Kane Thompson has played 26 games for Samoa, has also featured for the Highlanders and has played for Southland, Hawke's Bay and Wellington. Thompson also played for US DAX in France.