The future of Chiefs Super Rugby midfielder Charlie Ngatai remains up in the air as he continues to battle the symptoms of a serious concussion.
The one‑Test All Black suffered a head knock against the Highlanders in May last year and has not played a game since then.
Chiefs coach Dave Rennie says the 26‑year‑old was not back in full training and could miss the entire competition.
Tasman midfielder Alex Nankivell has been called into the squad as cover should Ngatai be ruled out, while the return of Tim Nanai‑Williams from Japan provides another option.
The Chiefs first Super Rugby match this season will be against the Blues on Friday 3rd March.
Source: The Age
