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The Chiefs have confirmed the signing of Hurricanes prop Daniel Lienert-Brown, the older brother of All Blacks centre Anton Lienert-Brown.
Daniel brings plenty of experience in New Zealand rugby, with the move marking the Chiefs’ second prop signing this week following the arrival of Tevita Mafileo from the Hurricanes.
The loosehead began his rugby journey at Christchurch Boys’ High School before breaking into Canterbury’s senior side in 2014.
He later joined the Highlanders, making his Super Rugby debut in 2015 and helping the side claim their first title that season.
Lienert-Brown has since made 133 appearances for the Highlanders, placing him fourth on the club’s all-time appearance list.
He also represented New Zealand Under-20s at the 2013 Junior World Championship, featuring twice during the tournament.
His younger brother Anton has established himself as a leading figure in New Zealand rugby, representing both the Chiefs and Waikato at provincial level.
After impressing at Christchurch Boys’ High School, Anton joined the Chiefs’ wider training group in 2014 and made his Super Rugby debut that same year.
He earned his first All Blacks cap in 2016 and scored on his second international start against Argentina.
Anton went on to become a key figure in New Zealand’s midfield, featuring at the 2019 Rugby World Cup and earning Man of the Match honours against Australia that year.
He is now closing in on the 100-cap milestone for the All Blacks, underlining his consistency and importance to the national side.
The brothers have faced each other numerous times during their professional careers, but next year’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign will give them the opportunity to play together for the first time.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs will be determined to end their title drought under Jono Gibbes after finishing as runners-up in each of the past four seasons.
The Hamilton-based side last lifted the Super Rugby trophy under Dave Rennie in 2012 and 2013, and will hope their latest recruitment drive can help them return to the summit.
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