Will Jordan commits to All Blacks and Crusaders

Will Jordan has signed a four-year contract extension with New Zealand Rugby, keeping him with the Crusaders and the All Blacks until the end of the next World Cup in 2027.

The 25-year-old made his debut in 2020 against Australia, and has gone on to score 21 tries in as many games, becoming the second-fastest player to score 15 tries for the All Blacks and being named the 2021 World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year in the process.

The All Blacks are seeing a raft of stalwarts, such as Richie Mo’unga, Beauden Barrett, Brodie Retallick and Aaron Smith, leave New Zealand shores after the World Cup later this year, but Jordan is the latest player from the next generation to commit following Rieko Ioane and Samisoni Taukei’aho.

“I’m hugely excited to re-sign with New Zealand Rugby and the Crusaders for four years,” Jordan said.

“Both teams mean a lot to me and this deal gives me the chance to focus on becoming the best player I can be, and help these teams chase success.”

One person who will be delighted with Jordan’s decision is current Crusaders boss and incoming All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson, who said: “Will’s skillset and anticipation set him apart, his timing on and off the ball is world class.

“His game management and understanding is critical to the Crusaders’ performance both on and off the field.”

Current All Blacks head coach Ian Foster said: “Will is a quality person first and foremost. And his class off the field translates to what we see from him as a player.

“His ongoing commitment to New Zealand is exciting.”

After missing the All Blacks’ end-of-season tour with an inner-ear issue, Jordan was also ruled out of the opening ten rounds of the Crusaders’ Super Rugby Pacific defence, but made his return at the beginning of the month against the Western Force.