Damian McKenzie has signed on until the end of the 2023 season after spending this season playing rugby in Japan with Tokyo Sungoliath.
Pablo Matera collected two yellow cards in the game which resulted in him also seeing red but it wasn't enough for the Chiefs to pull off a semi-final upset.
The Chiefs took down the Waratahs 39-15 as they watched the new South Wales side self-destruct through handling errors and poor goal kicking.
The best round of the Super Rugby Pacific season revealed plenty, including the Blues' will to win against the odds.
The Crusaders were eyeing a relatively comfortable potential semifinal against an Australian team but now they may have to face the Chiefs.
The Chiefs held on for a 35-34 win over the Drua in their first game in front of a passionate Lautoka crowd.
Chiefs loose forward and All Blacks captain was due some good luck and it looks like he's received it, writes Patrick McKendry.
Brumbies' grinding style may have shown way for Blues' playoffs rivals, who are likely to be Kiwi teams, writes Patrick McKendry
Sam Cane departed the game early with a serious-looking knee injury as the Chiefs went on to win the match 54-21 in Hamilton.
The Waratahs and Rebels both losing from clear winning positions are more signs of an Aussie inferiority complex, writes Patrick McKendry.
Replacement prop goes over for winning try in the final seconds for a victory which pushes his side into Super Rugby Pacific's top four.
Big prop's commitment in defending after suffering shocking head cuts will be needed by the entire team against the Crusaders in Christchurch.
The midfielder will miss at least the three home tests against Ireland in July, giving head coach Ian Foster some big decisions to make.
The attacking spark and defensive grit required to shut out the Chiefs in Hamilton made the victory especially memorable for the Blues head coach.
National referee manager Bryce Lawrence said he wasn't concerned with the amount of sendoffs that have happened in recent matches.
The All Blacks fullback is one of the success stories as the Hurricanes attempt to brush off two close losses ahead of Crusaders visit.
The Hurricanes halfback overtook the great Christian Cullen to claim his franchise's record, but the Chiefs had the final say in Wellington.
The two sides are taking a few risks to ensure a game can go ahead for hungry players and fans this weekend.
Results from Covid tests will determine how many games are played this weekend - and it may be only one as more players succumb to virus.
The hosts fended off two yellow cards like Luka Connor did the experienced Black Fern to claim a 22-8 win.