4 Aug 2017

Dream come true for new Chiefs signing

4:30 pm on 4 August 2017
New Zealand Under 20 captain Luke Jacobson.

New Zealand Under 20 captain Luke Jacobson. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Chiefs secure the NZ U20s World Rugby Championship-winning skipper, loose forward Luke Jacobson until 2020.

He has been signed along with his U20s team-mate, playmaker Tiaan Falcon, who has also committed to the club for two years.

Jacobson said it was a dream come true for him as he had always wanted to be a Chief.

"I had a small taste of it this year, being a part of the Chiefs team to play in the Global Brisbane 10s tournament and also attending some trainings throughout the year."

"I enjoyed every minute of it. I'm really excited to be a part of the team," the 20 year old said.

Falcon, also 20, was similarly pleased to commit to the club for next 2 years.

"I'm really excited about this opportunity with the Chiefs, especially being able to develop my game at 1st five."

I've heard really good things about the culture and the people at the Chiefs so I'm looking forward to getting there and really embracing this opportunity later in the year."

New Zealand fly-half Tiaan Falcon dives over to score one of their 11 tries against Ireland at AIA Arena on day three of the World Rugby U20 Championship 2017 in Kutaisi; Georgia; on 8 June.

New Zealand fly-half Tiaan Falcon dives over to score one of their 11 tries against Ireland at AIA Arena on day three of the World Rugby U20 Championship 2017 in Kutaisi; Georgia; on 8 June. Photo: Photosport

Jacobson captained the Waikato U19s last year in the Jock Hobbs Memorial National U19s Tournament, leading his team to Graham Mourie Cup victory and being awarded Player of the Tournament in the process.

Meanwhile, first five-eighth Falcon put in impressive performances during the World Rugby U20 Championship in Georgia earlier this year.

He was the son of former Maori All Black and Hurricanes player Gordon Falcon and grandson of former Maori All Blacks Ray Falcon.

Incoming Chiefs head coach Colin Cooper was delighted with the signings.

"These are two exceptional signings for the Club which secure the future of the Chiefs."

"I'm pretty excited to work with both these young men who are quality players with huge potential," Cooper said.