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Crusaders set to benefit ‘for years to come’ as All Blacks XV rep re-signs
By Finn Morton
All Blacks XV backrower Christian Lio-Willie is determined to help the Crusaders improve after re-signing with the fallen giants through until 2027. The Crusaders had won seven Super Rugby titles in as many years before missing the playoffs altogether last season.
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Lio-Willie has made 27 appearances in the famed red and black strip since debuting for the club in 2023, which was the year the Crusaders won their most recent title. The 26-year-old is also a leader at NPC level with Otago, serving as a co-captain alongside playmaker Sam Gilbert.
After playing two matches for the All Blacks XV during their July tour of Japan, Lio-Willie has once again been named in the representative squad ahead of their Northern Tour in November. But first, the Crusader will link up with former coach Scott Robertson.
On Wednesday, it was revealed that Lio-Willie would join another six members of the All Blacks XV by joining the All Blacks as training cover. Bradley Slater, George Bower, Fabian Holland, Oliver Haig, Harry Plummer and AJ Lam were the others selected.
With Lio-Willie going from strength to strength on the back of regular minutes with the Crusaders, there’s no doubt the loose forward has a bright future ahead of him in Christchurch after committing to the club for another few years.
“I’ve loved every minute of being part of this team for the past couple of years both on and off the field,” Lio-Willie said in a statement.
“I’m really excited to take the field with this special group of men and to take the learnings from our season just gone and be better moving forward together.
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“I’m also looking forward to making more memories with these brothers that I’ll cherish for life.”
On debut for the Crusaders in the team’s shock opening-round 31-10 loss to the Chiefs on February 24, 2023, Lio-Willie wore the No. 20 jumper. The backrower went on to play in every match that season, which included a start at No. 8 in the Grand Final triumph.
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Lio-Willie backed that up with another impressive campaign in 2024, which saw the Auckland-born talent score five tries in 10 matches – which included a double against the Melbourne Rebels in round 10. An ankle injury did rule the backrower out for a while, it’s worth noting.
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Following another strong season, and with Lio-Willie flying out to Japan with the All Blacks on Thursday, it’s not to surprise that Crusaders coach Rob Penney has described him as, “A special man who has quickly become an integral member of the Crusaders group.”
“His intellect and work ethic are highly regarded,” Penney explained. “As he matures, his positive influence across the Crusaders is becoming more obvious.
“As he continues to fulfil his undoubted potential, the Crusaders will benefit from this for years to come, so to have him commit through to 2027 is fantastic.”
The guy is incredibly underrated. Nice hands, good breakdown presence, dominant in collisions, and admirable workrate. Only thing I can really ask of him is to become more of a lineout option, because the rest of his game is pretty solid.
I have to agree with you on all those points. The other thing I like about Lio-Willie is he seems like a well-rounded person. I heard in an interview earlier this year, he is a qualified dentist and still works as one when he can.