Will Jordan inks new deal with Crusaders, New Zealand Rugby

All Blacks wunderkind Will Jordan has inked a new deal to keep him in New Zealand until the end of 2023.

The 24-year-old outside back has been a mainstay on the All Blacks’ right wing since making his Test debut in 2020. In his two-and-a-bit seasons playing international rugby, Jordan has dotted down for 19 tries, averaging more than one a game, and has proven a constant menace for opposition.

In re-signing for another season with New Zealand Rugby, Jordan will also extend his time with both Tasman and the Crusaders – although it’s only the latter who will likely get the opportunity to field the prodigious scorer next season, with the Rugby World Cup set to overlap with New Zealand’s NPC competition.

Jordan debuted for Tasman in 2017 after first making a name for himself as fast-paced, quick-stepping talent for Christchurch Boys’ High School. The Crusaders almost immediately signed Jordan up on a long-term deal but weren’t able to make use of his talents until the 2019 campaign due to a long-term injury ruling him from featuring the previous season.

While Jordan’s position of choice is in the No 15 jersey, he has spent much of his career playing on the wing thanks to the abundance of talent the Crusaders (and more recently, the All Black) have been able to call upon in the outside backs in recent seasons.

Since 2020, however, Jordan has been regularly parked at the back for the Crusaders, clocking up 45 appearances in the red and black and earning 35 tries in the process.

Jordan’s latest contract extension – just a one-year deal – will ensure he’s on New Zealand’s books for next year’s World Cup, where he’s set to have a massive impact.

Still in the formative stages of his professional career, it’s anticipated that Jordan will remain in NZ beyond 2023 but the 24-year-old will likely look to leverage his performances over the coming months when negotiating for his post-World Cup contract with NZR.

“I’ve been pretty fortunate to have a great run in the Crusaders jersey so far, I remember coming back into the team in 2018 initially and there were so many legends around at the time. I loved being around them and growing from them as much as I could,” Jordan told the Crusaders’ official website.

“Over the last few years being able to play a little bit more and having a bit more of a say in the on-field stuff has been great. I’ve really loved my footy at the Crusaders and I’m looking forward to it continuing.

“When I first came into this team I was a pretty young 19-year-old kid and over the years you mature a lot. I think being around guys who have been through the same pathway as you, they know what you’re going through. Their ability to teach you little lessons along the way has been massive.

“I think, having been here for five or six years you start to feel a bit more comfortable in this space but there’s always challenges and new things to deal with that continue to grow you.”