Rugby World Cup winner Stephen Donald will return to Super Rugby after signing with the Chiefs for the 2019 season.

Donald, revered for kicking the winning penalty in the All Blacks' 2011 Rugby World Cup triumph, signed as injury cover for Tiaan Falcon, who will miss the entire season with a ruptured Achilles tendon.

"I am stoked to be able to come back and play for the Chiefs this season. There is a great group of lads to work alongside and I hope I can play my part in supporting the team both on and off the field," Donald said.

"I'm looking forward to putting on the jersey again to proudly represent the club and our loyal supporters."

Head coach Colin Cooper echoed Donald's enthusiasm in returning to Hamilton.

"We are pleased to have Stephen Donald 'the Beaver' re-join our Chiefs whanau (family) for 2019. He is a great team man who brings a wealth of experience and mana to our side. He is a good conductor of the game and will deliver for the team when provided the opportunity," Cooper said.

Donald made his Super Rugby debut in 2005 with the Chiefs and has since gone on to play 104 games for the franchise.

He last played for the club during the 2016-17 Super Rugby season before a playing stint in Japan.