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Crusaders farewell club stalwarts in 2025 squad
By Ned Lester
Some experienced heads have called time on illustrious Crusaders careers ahead of the 2025 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season.
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Names like Joe Moody, Ryan Crotty and Owen Franks are all absent from the club’s squad naming today, along with notable young guns like playmaker Fergus Burke and hooker Brodie McAlister who is currently with the All Blacks as injury cover.
The 14-time champions have recruited some intriguing talents in their place, including the headline signing of former Wallaby James O’Connor. 2024 New Zealand U20 representative Aki Tuivailala has also been recruited, the versatile back is another Hamilton Boys High product to head south, joining fellow young guns Noah Hotham and Taha Kemara.
Wellington Lions star halfback Kyle Preston is fresh off an NPC title and joins the Crusaders, replacing veteran Willi Heinz in the squad. Xavier Saifoloi is another young prospect to keep an eye on in the loose forwards.
“We’ve got a great group, and all the coaches are looking forward to getting our hands on them and preparing together here at Rugby Park,” said Crusaders Head Coach Rob Penney.
“There is fantastic depth there, and a great mix of experience and youthful energy coming through.
“We’re excited to see what this group can do and build off our 2024 season.”
Crusaders squad for 2025:
Tamaiti Williams
Fletcher Newell
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George Bower
Kershawl Sykes-Martin
Finlay Brewis
Seb Calder
Codie Taylor
George Bell
Ioane Moananu
Scott Barrett
Quinten Strange
Tahlor Cahill
Jamie Hannah
Antonio Shalfoon
Ethan Blackadder
Christian Lio-Willie
Tom Christie
Cullen Grace
Corey Kellow
Dominic Gardiner
Fletcher Anderson
Savier Saifoloi
Noah Hotham
Mitchell Drummond
Kyle Preston
James O’Connor
Rivez Reihana
Taha Kemara
David Havili
Braydon Ennor
Levi Aumua
Dallas McLeod
Will Jordan
Sevu Reece
Chay Fihaki
Macca Springer
Johnny McNicholl
Aki Tuivailala
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James O'Connor a headline signing?? Desperation signing more like. Surely give younger talent a go
Woulda thought Rivez and Taha would get a go aye?
No matter who we recruit, putting them in the hands of Immortal SR Loser Coach Rob Penney will be a bloody underwhelming disaster. Also, why the hell we've employed JOC beats me. Like Penney, he's done nothing of note for years.
I can only hope we achieve above & beyond the Penney factor & that as I write, we are already shoulder-tapping Rangi for 2026 after Penney's contract expires next year. Or before if we show early signs of crashing & burning as in SRA 2024.
Could have done with him this year!
I cannot BELIEVE we sold Gallagher 😢and McAlister. Two very talented players sold for no reason. Unbelievable. Kemara & Reihana better step up BIG TIME this season or there will be words, because JOC is rubbish.