All Blacks XV rake signs new deal with Crusaders

A potential All Black of the future has inked a new deal with the Crusaders which will see him remain in Christchurch for the next three seasons.

25-year-old Brodie McAlister, who has been named as one of three hookers in the All Blacks XV squad that will travel to Europe in the coming weeks, will continue to forge a strong one-two punch alongside the likes of Codie Taylor and George Bell at the Crusaders, having signed on with the Super Rugby Pacific champions until 2025.

McAlister was whistled into the Crusaders as injury cover in 2019 and made his Super Rugby Pacific debut off the bench, earning a solitary appearance against the Blues.

The following season, McAlister earned a full contract with the Crusaders and he has now accumulated 22 appearances for the red-and-black machine. In 2022, McAlister made 11 appearances for the Crusaders, including four starts.

With Taylor nearing the end of his career and Bell just starting out his, McAlister looks set to take over as the Crusaders’ first-choice rake in the coming seasons and will be undoubtedly be using his chance with the All Blacks XV to springboard his way into international rugby.

McAlister is set to feature in the No 2 jersey for Canterbury this weekend in the grand final of the NPC, with the Cantabrians hosting Wellington at Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch.

Previously, McAlister represented Shirley Boys’ High School in the University of Canterbury Championship club competition and in 2015 was selected for the New Zealand Schools squad. Like many stars of the game, he progressed through the Crusaders Academy before making his provincial debut for Canterbury in 2018.

Scott Robertson, Crusaders Head Coach, said McAlister was a “tireless worker and found some great form last season”.

“He’s mastering his craft as a hooker and his best as a Crusader is ahead of him,” Robertson said.

McAlister’s one of eight current Crusaders selected for the inaugural All Blacks XV – the most represented Super Rugby team in the squad.

The team assembles at the end of October and heads to the UK for matches against Ireland A in Dublin on 4 November, and the Barbarians in London on 13 November. McAlister will be squaring off with the likes of Asafo Aumua and Crusaders and Canterbury teammate George Bell for opportunities in the No 2 jersey.

– with Crusaders Rugby