Manawatu’s Asaeli Tikoirotuma will be rubbing shoulders with Sonny Bill Williams when it comes to midfield positions in the Chiefs Super 15 Season next year.

The Fijian, known in Manawatu as “Tiks”, has been chosen primarily as a centre, but Williams will also be in the midfield, even if his prime slot is expected to be second five-eighth.

The Chiefs coach has stayed loyal to Tikoirotuma since he came from Wanganui rugby to Manawatu for the 2010 season.

Many observers weren't convinced at the time, even though he had been the 2009 Heartland player of the year and played for the New Zealand Heartland XV.

A Fijian Under 18 representative in 2005 out of Marist Brothers High School, Tikoirotuma started in all 11 games for Manawatu, at centre and wing and scored five tries.

Other Fijian boys that have been named in the New Zealand Super 15 side’s include Fiji born, former Suva winger and Digicel Fiji 7s team player, Patrick Osborne in the Crusaders side, Maritino Nemani for the Chiefs and David Raikuna a first timer in the Blues jersey. Raikuna played for the NZ 7s team this year.

The Super 15 season kicks off on February 24th with the Crusaders and the Blues playing in the first match.


Story by: Selina Navuso