The Chiefs have further bolstered their backline depth by signing versatile Highlanders utility back Robbie Robinson for their 2012 Super Rugby campaign.

The 21-year-old Robinson joins former New Zealand Under-20 teammate Aaron Cruden at the Chiefs along with his New Zealand Maori captain Liam Messam.

The Chiefs lost a few key backline players at the end of this year's Super Rugby campaign, but new coach and former New Zealand U20 mentor Dave Rennie has attracted a few highly talented young players to Hamilton already.

Rennie commented: "I had the pleasure to work with Robbie during our U20 World Cup campaign in 2009 where he was very influential in the success of that team. He is a good man, has an excellent skill set with the ability to play both 15 and 10. That sort of versatility is crucial for such a demanding campaign."

 In 2008, at the age of 18, Robinson debuted for Southland in the domestic competition against the Hawke's Bay Magpies and played for the triumphant New Zealand U20 side in the IRB Junior World Cup tournament in 2009.
 
 In 2010 he debuted for the Highlanders against the Blues and played all three games for the New Zealand Maori side in the Sealord Centenary series. Robinson plays both first flyhalf and fullback.

Robinson commented: "Although I've really enjoyed my time with the Highlanders the opportunity to move north and push for a starting spot with the Chiefs was too good to let slip by.

"I'm focused on next year being a big one and am looking forward to getting to Hamilton and getting stuck into it," he said.