Tom Marshall decides on move to Chiefs [Fairfax]

Getting regular starts at fullback was the carrot that lured Tasman's Tom Marshall to the Chiefs.

The 23-year-old, one of the Crusaders' most consistent performers on the right wing this season, will shift north after being offered the opportunity to play in the No 15 jersey in the Hamilton-based franchise.

Marshall has signed a two-year contract and will link with Dave Rennie who coached him when he played for the New Zealand under-20 team in 2010.

"So I was keen to reunite with him," Marshall said. "I am keen to push for more starting opportunities in my preferred position so the change was appealing, but I have really enjoyed my time at the Crusaders."

Recent confirmation that All Blacks fullback Israel Dagg will return to the Crusaders has limited Marshall's chances of playing in that position.

Even when Dagg was relegated to the bench for the matches against the Brumbies and Blues in May, Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder preferred to minimise the disruption to his backline by starting Tom Taylor at fullback and keeping Marshall on the right wing.

Recently Marshall, who debuted for the Crusaders in 2011 and has made no secret that he prefers playing at the back, hinted to Fairfax he was no certainty to return to Christchurch.

"I had the pleasure of working with Tom in 2010," Rennie said. "He is a quality man and a quality player and we are rapt to welcome him to the Chiefs family."

Nick-named ‘Tojo', Marshall is rated for his confidence on the counterattack, takes the high ball with authority and is a courageous defender.

The Chiefs will not be short of fullbacks next year. Gareth Anscombe and Andrew Horrell, who can both play the position, recently signed until 2015.

Robbie Robinson started at fullback against the Crusaders at AMI Stadium last Saturday night and Tim Nanai-Williams has played a variety of positions in Rennie's backline.