Crusaders’ Struggles in 2024 Season
Next up, it’s the Crusaders, who are coming off a shocker of a season in 2024, where injuries and the departures of key All Blacks combined to leave them sitting ninth on the ladder, outside the playoff spots.
A No 10 Problem and New Signings
They also have a No 10 problem, while Richie Mo’unga remains in Japan, but we already know how they’ve tried to solve it – by bringing in former Wallabies star James O’Connor, to compete for that jersey alongside Rivez Reihana, who is likely to get the first crack, and Taha Kemara.
Decision to Make: Who Will Captain the Crusaders?
Crusaders coach Rob Penney has a decision to make after unveiling his 38-man squad for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign – who will captain the side?
All Blacks captain Scott Barrett is set to be replaced as skipper of the Crusaders next season, a decision Penney confirmed was driven by a desire to ease his workload on the back of his first season in charge of the Scott Robertson-coached All Blacks.
Leadership Group Decisions Still Pending
Penney emphasized that the final decisions regarding the leadership group’s structure would not be made until after Christmas. However, he mentioned that he had already spoken with the 30-year-old Barrett, who led the team to three titles (excluding the 2020 season, which he missed).
Codie Taylor and David Havili as Leadership Contenders
It would be hard to go past hooker Codie Taylor, who is contracted through 2027 and led the Crusaders to the Super Rugby Aotearoa crown in 2020 with Barrett out with a foot injury.
Midfielder David Havili is another among a bunch of proven leaders, one halfback Mitchell Drummond singled out after ruling himself out of contention.
I think David Havili has been outstanding with his work at Tasman, and I know he’s highly respected within the group. He’s someone who…
Crusaders’ Coaching Staff Changes
However, there’s a more urgent decision for the Crusaders’ management to address than selecting the team captain.
That would be who replaces assistant coach Tamati Ellison, who was considered a potential future Crusaders head coach before he agreed to join Robertson’s All Blacks full-time.
Ellison played a key role in the team’s rugby program this year, effectively stepping into Scott Hansen’s position.
That’s left a big void to fill, with Penney confirming the appointment of the successful applicant would potentially lead to a juggling of portfolios among existing assistants Dan Perrin (forwards), Matt Todd (defence) and James Marshall (backs).
Crusaders’ Squad for 2025 Season
Penney’s 38-man squad for the 2025 season includes 10 players to have pulled on the All Blacks’ jersey this year, including young halfback Noah Hotham and hooker George Bell.
The return of fit-again centre Braydon Ennor is a significant boost, while dynamic Wellington halfback Kyle Preston is one of a few new players heading to Christchurch from the North Island.
Departures and New Signings for 2025
The Crusaders were eager to retain All Blacks XV hooker Brodie McAlister. However, with Taylor and Bell ahead of him in the hierarchy, he secured a three-year contract with the Chiefs.
Crusaders 2025 Squad Breakdown
Props: Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell, George Bower, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Finlay Brewis, Seb Calder
Hookers: Codie Taylor, George Bell, Ioane Moananu
Locks: Scott Barrett, Quinten Strange, Tahlor Cahill, Jamie Hannah, Antonio Shalfoon
Loose forwards: Ethan Blackadder, Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie, Cullen Grace, Corey Kellow, Dominic Gardiner, Fletcher Anderson, Savier Saifoloi
Halfbacks: Noah Hotham, Mitchell Drummond, Kyle Preston
First five-eighths: James O’Connor, Rivez Reihana, Taha Kemara
Midfielders: David Havili, Braydon Ennor, Levi Aumua, Dallas McLeod
Outside backs: Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Chay Fihaki, Macca Springer, Johnny McNicholl, Aki Tuivailala
Players Coming In and Out
Ins: Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Seb Calder, Antonio Shalfoon, Fletcher Anderson, Xavier Saifoloi, Kyle Preston, James O’Connor, Aki Tuivailala
Outs: Brodie McAlister, Joe Moody, Ryan Crotty, Owen Franks, Leigh Halfpenny, Willi Heinz, Manasa Mataele, Heremaia Murray, Jone Rova, Fergus Burke, Zach Gallagher
Comments