Pauliasi Manu joins the Chiefs after move to the Rebels collapses

Pauliasi Manu: Has been added to the wider training group at the Chiefs

The Chiefs have confirmed the signing of Pauliasi Manu after the prop's move to the Melbourne Rebels fell through.

Manu had made the switch to the Rebels from the Blues, however he returned to New Zealand after failing a medical due to a neck problem.

The Chiefs, though, have handed Manu a contract as part of their wider training group after their medical team, in conjunction with the NZRU medical director Dr Ian Murphy, cleared him to play.

The Chiefs, the defending Super Rugby champions, had been looking to bolster their front row after Josh Hohneck badly damaged his ankle in a farming accident.

"After Josh's injury we were in the market for a prop and to get one with his experience was ideal for us," Chiefs coach Dave Rennie told the club's official site.

"Different organisations have varying medical processes, but we are very comfortable with the high level of investigations that have taken place in New Zealand, including that of a spinal specialist which have all cleared Pauliasi fit."

The Chiefs have also Mike Kainga, Michael Leitch, Maritino Nemani and Matt Vant Leven as the other members of their wider training group for the 2013 season.

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