Loosehead prop Jamie Mackintosh, unwanted this season by the Highlanders, has signed a two-year contract with defending Super Rugby champions the Chiefs.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie says Mackintosh, who has played 67 matches for the Highlanders and 92 for Southland, is a crucial signing.

“He is a bloody good man and we’re rapt to have him,” Rennie said.

“Jamie is an experienced player and a strong leader. We know he’ll be a major contributor both on and off the field, and we’re looking forward to working with him.”

The 1.93m, 130kg prop, who has played one Test for the All Blacks, will move to Hamilton at the end of the year after his ITM Cup campaign with Southland.

A former Highlanders captain, Mackintosh has fallen out of favour this season with coach Jamie Joseph, starting in just three matches and coming off the bench twice.

He said leaving the Highlanders was a difficult step to take.

“Loyalty is one of my strongest values, so it was a tough decision to leave a franchise that I have always called home.

“In order for me to grow as a player I feel the time is right for me to have a change.”