The Chiefs semi‑final loss to the Crusaders marks the end of an era for the Hamilton based Super rugby franchise.
The Crusaders 27‑13 victory last night puts them into the final where they'll play the Lions in Johanesburg, after they beat the Hurricanes 44‑29 this morning.
The Chiefs will now say goodbye to club mainstays Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr‑Barlow and James Lowe, as well as coach Dave Rennie.
Cruden who has played 50 tests for New Zealand and 85 games for Chiefs says it will be tough saying goodbye to his super rugby franchise.
He arrived in Hamilton in 2012 via the Hurricanes two seasons there and is now heading to French club Montpellier in a deal reportedly worth $3.5 million.
For a while Cruden will be based in France and Rennie is heading to Scotland to coach the Glasgow Warriors the two sides are in the same pool in the European Cup competition.
Chiefs wing James Lowe will depart New Zealand at the end of the year to join PRO12 side Leinster while halfback Tawera Kerr‑Barlow is joining the exodus to France, signing a three‑year deal with La Rochelle.
Meanwhile the Lions will host the Crusaders in the Super Rugby Final on the 12th of next month.
