The arrival of Warren Gatland should give Chiefs fans a reason to be optimistic heading into Super Rugby 2020, says Aaron Cruden, although don't expect "Warren-ball."
After 12 years and 151 Tests with Wales, Galtand returns to New Zealand with his hometown side, looking to steer the Chiefs to their first Super Rugby title since 2013.
Also returning home to New Zealand, albeit from French club side Montpellier, is former All Black Cruden who's looking forward to linking up with one of the world's great coaches in Gatland.
"His pedigree speaks for itself," Cruden told media in Hamilton today.
"To see what he's been able to do with the Welsh national side, he's obviously a passionate Waikato man, [a] Chiefs man. To have him back in the region, have him back in the mix here will do wonders for our team."
Having trained with his old side for the first time this week, Cruden says that he's already noticing the lift Gatland's had on a Chiefs side that have, at times, failed to replicate the form that's made them one of New Zealand's most exciting sides to watch.
The Kiwi coach won't replicate his northern hemisphere style with the Chiefs next year. (Source: Other)
"He's even, I think, bought his own style, his own structure to the training side of things already.
"Talking to a lot of the boys they're really energised by that. It's a lot more player-driven, with the coaches there to provide guidance, to provide a bit of structure, really giving the players the allowance and the energy to bring things to life."
However, Cruden won't go as far as labelling the Chiefs' new regime as "Warren-ball," the style that Gatland made prolific use of during his time in the northern hemisphere.
"I'm not sure if it was Warren-ball the other day. We did a really interesting drill that the boys were working pretty hard with - but he hadn't put a name to it.
"Maybe it's yet to come out, a wee treat for us over the next few days."
Gatland's first match in charge of the Chiefs comes in their Super Rugby season opener against the Blues at Eden Park on January 31.
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