Community engagement, charitable work and team-building are all on the agenda for the Gallagher Chiefs 2016 preseason camp.

The team has planned an extensive week-long tour of over 16 towns and cities in late January to connect with fans and give back to a Chiefs community whose support will be vital in navigating their most demanding Investec Super Rugby campaign to date.

The Chiefs will be touring the Bay of Plenty and Waikato in January.

Two special fundraising events have been included in the Gallagher Chiefs itinerary.

Whakatane locals will have the opportunity to host several Chiefs players for dinner on the Tuesday evening, as part of a unique auction designed to raise funds for Whakatane community rugby.

On Wednesday evening, the Bay of Plenty community will unite for inspirational Gallagher Chiefs super-sub Austin Manning at a fundraising dinner in his honour.

Seven-year old Austin suffers from health challenges including cerebral palsy.

With the full support of the Chiefs Rugby Club, Austin is fundraising for a trip to America to have life-altering surgery and extensive rehabilitation.

A Dinner for Austin will be held at the ASB Arena Baypark with tables available for purchase from $1200 + GST. Visit www.chiefs.co.nz for more details.

'While this week has a conditioning and team building focus, it has as much to do with connecting with and supporting our communities,” says Chiefs head coach Dave Rennie.

'Over the past four years we have placed a massive emphasis on meaningful engagement right across our region and our boys enjoy the interaction.

'We are more than just a Hamilton based team and it's a great chance for us to understand who we are and who we represent. It will be great fun and we are really looking forward to it.”

Details are still being finalised for the tour and more information on the visits will be released in due course, but for now Chiefs fans can mark the following dates down and look forward to meeting their 2016 Gallagher Chiefs.

Gallagher Chiefs 2016 Summer Roadie itinerary – more stops could still be added!

Monday, January 25: Cambridge, Tirau, Putaruru, Tokoroa, Rotorua, Murupara, Reporoa, Kawerau

Tuesday, January 26: Opotiki, Whakatane

Wednesday, January 27: Te Puke, Mount Maunganui

Thursday, January 28: Katikati

Friday, January 29: Waihi, Paeroa, Morrinsville