Canadian forward Tyler Ardron to join Super Rugby’s Chiefs in New Zealand

TORONTO – Canadian international Tyler Ardron has signed with Super Rugby’s Chiefs in New Zealand.

The 25-year-old forward from Lakefield, Ont., has been with the Ospreys in Wales since 2013.

He is following in the footsteps of fellow Canadians Jebb Sinclair and Christian Stewart, who played for South African teams in Super Rugby, which also features teams in Australia, Argentina and Japan.

Chiefs head coach Dave Rennie called Ardron’s addition a “great signing.”

“Tyler is a very experienced and dynamic international loose forward,” he added. “He’s been keen to test himself in Super Rugby, having been a standout for Ospreys over the past four seasons.

“He’s a bloody good man and his leadership and work ethic will align perfectly with the Chiefs.”

Ardron’s contract covers the 2018 and ’19 season. He will play for Bay of Plenty in the Mitre 10 Cup before that, leaving for New Zealand after Canada’s June tests against Georgia and Romania and a two-game World Cup qualifying series with the U.S.

Named Canadian captain under former national team coach Kieran Crowley, Ardron can playNo. 8, blindside flanker and lock.

“I can’t wait to get to New Zealand and find out what makes Super Rugby the best club competition in the world and be in an environment with such great players and coaches,” Ardron said in a release.

Based in Hamilton, the Chiefs are 9-1-0 this season.