The 2021 campaign, the fourth in which the Christchurch-based franchise has gone into as defending champion, promises to be no … Danny Robinson has made some recent additions to his squad and has let go of a couple of fringe players. Crusaders and All Blacks wing Sevu Reece said he had put in a lot of aspirational work in the off-season in his bid to have the best possible Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa season knowing how much competition there was for places in the All Blacks side. 27.5, Foreigners: The Crusaders first pre-season game is against the Highlanders in Temuka on February 12, before the team open their 2021 Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign against their southern neighbours, the Highlanders, in Dunedin on February 26. https://www.hungerfordtown.com. Interim Chiefs head-coach Clayton McMillan has marked his involvement with the side by connecting with the qualities that made them champions in 2012-13. Find Crusaders results and fixtures , Crusaders team stats: squad, top scorers, yellow and red cards, goals scoring stats, current form. Share. 18 February 2021 Chiefs to host Blues and Crusaders in game of three halves Round 2 Preview: Crusaders v Hurricanes (2021). The Crusaders have confirmed the appointment of a fifth coach for the 2021 Super rugby season, with former All Black and Hurricanes utility, Tamati Ellison, joining the squad today. New faces are confined to front-rowers New Zealand's under-19 age-grade player of the year in 2019 Fletcher Newell and Maori All Black rookie Tamaiti Williams and outside backs Chay Fihaki and Isaiah Punivai, each products of the Crusaders Academy. By Naveel Krishant. Injuries to the Crusaders' star wingers have paved the way for six-test former All Blacks powerhouse Rene Ranger to come into the squad as cover ahead of the 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign. It is the same position role Andrew Goodman did before getting elevated to assistant when Ronan O’Gara and Brad Mooar departed. Crusaders 2021 squad Hookers: Codie Taylor, Andrew Makalio, Brodie McAlister Props: Joe Moody, Michael Alaalatoa, George Bower, Oliver Jager, Tamaiti Williams, Isi Tu’ungafasi, Fletcher Newell A total of 193 contracted players have been … Moving their Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa game to Sunday should provide the chance for a memorable atmosphere in Christchurch between the Crusaders and Hurricanes. It shows all personal information about the players, including age, nationality, contract duration and current market value. In 2021 they are joined by a trio of young guns in Lam, Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens and Sullivan and the powerful Fijian wing Jone Macilai-Tori, who returned to Northland this year from a stint in Japan after previously also playing for the Crusaders. Former All Black Tamati Ellison has joined the Crusaders coaching staff for the 2021 Super Rugby season. Law innovations, especially the goal-line dropout, may deny the Crusaders' opportunities to inflict their scrum on opponents on the five-metre line, but that only opens up other opportunities for the backs to use their attacking power where players like Jordan, Bridge, Havili, Reece and Mo'unga are well capable of creating mayhem. Hooker Andrew Makalio will play no part in the Crusaders' 2021 Super Rugby campaign. Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: “It’s … Whilst it’s incredibly disappointing their opening game of Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa will be played behind closed doors, neither team are letting it affect their preparation for Friday night. North Wales Crusaders have added Alex Eckley to their squad ahead of the 2021 campaign. Detailed. 11 January. He's been a fans' favourite from the outset and is one of the first names that will spring to mind when you think about Crusaders. “Pre-season gives us an important indication of where we are at as a team, and allows us an opportunity to give a number of players a chance to prove themselves ahead of the start of Super Rugby Aotearoa in two weeks’ time. Crusaders team named for first home game against the Hurricanes. Tommy Johnson. The Crusaders will travel to South Canterbury on Friday, ahead of their sold-out Farmlands Cup clash with the Highlanders at Temuka Rugby Football Club. Chiefs look forward to fresh start in opening game. The teams feature 19 … Jona Nareki guides Highlanders to first win. Gallagher Chiefs named for their 2021 season opener against the Highlanders. Starting a week later than their Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa counterparts, the Gallagher Chiefs are looking to hit the road running in their game against the Highlanders in Hamilton on Friday. April 2, Highlanders, 7.05 pm, Christchurch, April 11, Hurricanes, 3.35 pm, Wellington, Forwards: Codie Taylor, Andrew Makalio, Brodie McAlister, Joe Moody, Michael Alaalatoa, George Bower, Oliver Jager, Tamaiti Williams, Isi Tu’ungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett (captain), Sam Whitelock, Mitchell Dunshea, Quinten Strange, Luke Romano, Cullen Grace, Tom Christie, Ethan Blackadder, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Sione Havili, Tom Sanders, Backs: Bryn Hall, Mitchell Drummond, Ere Enari, Richie Mo’unga, Brett Cameron, Fergus Burke, Jack Goodhue, Braydon Ennor, Dallas McLeod, Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, George Bridge, David Havili, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Manasa Mataele, Chay Fihaki, Isaiah Puniva. New faces are confined to front-rowers New Zealand's under-19 age-grade player of the year in 2019 Fletcher Newell and Maori All Black rookie Tamaiti Williams and outside backs Chay Fihaki and Isaiah Punivai, each products of the Crusaders Academy. There is one further player to be named in a 38-strong squad. But typifying the strength, and therefore internal competition for starts is the lock position. The 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa season (branded as Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa for sponsorship reasons) is an upcoming professional club rugby union tournament organised by New Zealand Rugby.Announced on 11 November 2020, the tournament will be the second season of Super Rugby Aotearoa, featuring the 5 New Zealand Super Rugby sides, and will run from 26 February to 8 May … Outside back Reece Tapine and tighthead prop Archer Holz are the other Brumbies new recruits for 2021, alongside five academy products who have been promoted to the club's Super Rugby squad. The 26 ‘rookies’, defined as those players who have signed their first full-time Super Rugby Aotearoa contracts, is well down on the 46 new faces named in the 2020 squads. It also contains a table with average age, cumulative market value and average market value for each player position and overall. The recommendation will be considered by the Rugby World Cup Board and World Rugby Executive Committee on 8 and 9 March respectively. A total of 193 contracted players have been named across the Blues, Gallagher Chiefs, Crusaders, Highlanders and Hurricanes with the Blues and Chiefs each still to add one additional player. 28, Average age: Four Players Promoted From The Crusaders Academy For 2021 Crusaders Head Coach Scott Robertson has unveiled his 38-man squad for the 2021 Super Rugby season and the club’s development pathway is highlighted, with all four new recruits having progressed through the Crusaders Academy. Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge said: “Tamati is a good man with a great reputation, … Continuity is also a feature of the backline where Mitch Drummond, Ere Enari and Bryn Hall contest the halfback starts. Crusaders coach Scott Robertson said the squad is looking forward to getting their 2021 campaign underway. Highlanders name squad for 2021 There are six new faces and two returning familiar faces among the Highlanders squad announced today. It was a case of opportunities lost for the Highlanders when they reflected on their – loss to the Crusaders in the opening game of Super Rugby Aotearoa at the weekend. All Blacks, Highlanders and Manawatu Turbos fans will be celebrating, with halfback Aaron Smith announcing that he has signed a new contract with New Zealand Rugby (NZR), his Highlanders club and Manawatu provincial union that will see him stay in New Zealand through until 2023. By Ciaran Morrison. Future-dated transfers are only included if confirmed by the player or his agent, his former team or his new team. He’ll assemble with the other Crusaders’ All Blacks in early February, while the bulk of the squad will assemble on January 11. However, such is the versatility in the side that options are available in the outside backs to supplement Jack Goodhue, Fergus Burke and Dallas McLeod. Gallagher Chiefs Head Coach Clayton McMillan has named his first team to take on the Highlanders for their Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa season opener at FMG Stadium Waikato on Friday 5 March at 7.05pm. Filter by season : Compact. Injury has meant hooker Andrew Makalio will miss the season but that has created an opening for Bay of Plenty's Nathan Vella to get experience at the top level. Crusaders to tidy up infringements for Hurricanes clash. Throw in All Blacks' front-rowers Codie Taylor and Joe Moody, along with the experienced Michael Alaalatoa and Ollie Jager and the depth of resource is obvious. The loose forwards have reduced with injury to the luckless Tom Sanders ahead of the competition but with Tom Christie, Cullen Grace, Ethan Blackadder, Whetukamokamo Douglas and Sione Havili, there will be no let-up in that department. The Valparaiso Crusaders mascot helps the cheer squad during a timeout in an NCAA college basketball game against North Dakota on Nov. 17, 2019, in Valparaiso, Ind. This is a list of player movements for Super Rugby teams prior to the end of the 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa season.Departure and arrivals of all players that were included in a Super Rugby squad for 2020 or 2021 are listed here, regardless of when it occurred. The starting pack remains the same with Irish lock Jack Regan earning his second start. Goal line drop-out = running rugby Get the scoop on the new innovations here ➡️ https://t.co/gHOuMibNP3: @skysportnz pic.twitter.com/TfyBUVF3o8. David Havili can play anywhere in the backline while there is also utility value in George Bridge and Will Jordan between wing and fullback while Leicester Faingaanuku, Fihaki, Manasa Mataele, Sevu Reece and Punivai are left to contend the wing starts. Head Coach Scott Robertson has named first half and second half teams for this pre-season fixture, with the first half side to be captained by No. Copy. The Crusaders are preparing for their rescheduled Round 2 match against the Hurricanes on Sunday afternoon, and Head Coach Scott Robertson has made few changes to the side, following their Round 1 win over the Highlanders in Dunedin. 19 Feb, 2021 06:15 PM Quick Read This year's format, thankfully, features a final that will significantly inflate tension and opens the door to an on-the-day upset. Squad Crusaders FC This page displays a detailed overview of the club's current squad. Rugby sevens fans around the world can mark their calendars and begin to look forward to the highly anticipated return of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series as plans are unveiled for the 2021 Series. Stability is the cornerstone of success in any enterprise and that has been the common denominator in Crusaders success through the years. Ellison will fill the coaching position vacated by Mark Jones, and will assist with team defence and position-specific player development. Back on home turf first five-eighths Bryn Gatland is looking to make the most of a starting role for the Chiefs in their first game of Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa, in Hamilton on Friday, against the Highlanders. Defending Sky Super Rugby champions, and Tū Kōtahi Aotearoa trophy holders, the Crusaders brought in four Canterbury Mitre 10 Cup players in 20-old props Fletcher Newell and new Maori All Black Williams as well as versatile backs Fihaki and Isaiah Punivai. Hurricanes crossing fingers for a crowd in Christchurch. Reece, Mataele and Bower make Crusaders squad for 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa. 1  3.6 %, National team players: 2021 offers a fresh start for the Chiefs - Cane. Aaron Smith commits to NZR and Highlanders through to 2023. Crusaders 2021 squad Hookers: Codie Taylor, Andrew Makalio, Brodie McAlister Props: Joe Moody, Michael Alaalatoa, George Bower, Oliver Jager, Tamaiti Williams, Isi Tu’ungafasi, Fletcher Newell Facebook Twitter. @Duluth said in 2021 Crusaders: @Chris said in 2021 Crusaders:. He … Squad size: Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge said: “Tamati […] Earl Hurst. Reece reaping the benefits of a strong off-season. Jona Nareki's speed, power and hunger powered a resurgent Highlanders side to a 39–23 win over the hapless Chiefs in Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa at Hamilton on Friday. Four of the five New Zealand Super Rugby franchises will announce their 2021 squads on December 1, with the Crusaders reportedly expected to name their squad the following day. TEAM PREVIEW: THE CRUSADERS (2021) Crusaders; Latest News; Super Rugby; by rr_admin - February 18, 2021 February 18, 2021. Ellison, 37, will fill the coaching position vacated by Welshman Mark Jones, and will assist with team defence and position-specific player development. The 2021 SSRA Blues Squad is: Share via. The squad features 22 forwards and 17 backs and will again be co-captained by Ash Dixon and Aaron Smith. Ellison will fill the coaching position vacated by Mark Jones, and will assist with team defence and position-specific player development. Buy tickets to Canterbury's Crusader matches, read Canterbury Rugby news, view player profiles, & analyse the Super Rugby results The 2021 campaign, the fourth in which the Christchurch-based franchise has gone into as defending champion, promises to be no different. After the loan signing of Antonio Diaz from Salisbury, the Crusaders have snapped up Mike Atkinson (pictured) from Bracknell Town until the end of the season … Gatland up for challenge against old team. 0, Stadium: Become a Crusaders Member or purchase tickets to their home games HERE. Welcome to the arena, Chiefs. The 2021 campaign, the fourth in which the Christchurch-based franchise has gone into as defending champion, promises to be no different. North Wales Crusaders 2021 squad. +-0. World Rugby has made the difficult decision to recommend the postponement of Rugby World Cup 2021, scheduled to be hosted in New Zealand between 18 September-16 October, until next year. This page displays a detailed overview of the club's current squad. Attention to detail would go a long way toward reducing the infringements that had hit the Crusaders hard in their 31-16 win over the Highlanders in the first round of Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa last week. It may also open up a spot in the squad For Isaiah Punivai who should get game time for Canterbury in the Mitre 10 cup. Hurricanes tweak line-up for Crusaders clash. It shows all personal information about the players, including age, nationality, contract duration and current market value. Few sides could match the experience provided by Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Luke Romano, Quinten Strange and Mitchell Dunshea, each of whom has had time in the All Blacks environment. 8 Whetukamokamo Douglas, and the second half to be led by lock, Luke Romano. To use this site, please enable Javascript. Hurricanes 2020-21 transfers In: Simon Hickey (Edinburgh), Ruben Love (Wellington), Julian Savea (Toulon) Centre. It also contains a table with average age, cumulative market value and average market value for each player position and overall. The official rookies’ class of 2021 is: Highlanders (3): Sam Gilbert (Otago), Jermaine Ainsley**, Kazuki Himeno** Crusaders (4): Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell, Chay Fihaki, Isaiah Punivai (Canterbury) Chiefs (7): … Two changes in the backs with Josh Ioane starting at first-five and Mitch Hunt reverting to fullback where he finished the game against the Crusaders last Friday. Fetuli Paea signing for the Highlandrs and Ennor's injury may see a move to centre for Leicester Fainga'anuka. Gallery # player Date of birth / … ⚫️ A reminder for the @crusadersrugby faithful to see who's in & out for the 2021 campaign!#SkySuperRugbyAotearoa pic.twitter.com/GyKgnoleuv. Earl is currently in his second spell at … The official Crusaders website. 2021 Squad Update. Head Coach Tony Brown has resisted making any major changes to his starting team to play the Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday night. “We’ve got a year now to get even fitter, faster, stronger” – Kendra Cocksedge. Fakatava and Ioane get their shot for the Highlanders. The Crusaders have confirmed the appointment of a fifth coach for the 2021 Super Rugby season, with former All Black and Hurricanes utility, Tamati Ellison, joining the squad. A handful of tweaks have been made to the Hurricanes starting line-up ahead of Sunday’s clash with the Crusaders in Christchurch. HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2021 Plans Unveiled. The rookie class of 2021 includes the youngest player, Auckland hooker Soane Vikena, who joins the Blues at 19-years, 5 months and one day old, more than 17 years younger than the oldest contracted player - two-Test All Black lock and newly minted Highlander Bryn Evans. Fullback. Overcoming the continuity and experience contained in the side is the challenge for all opponents. There is strength through the squad. Round 2 Preview: Chiefs v Highlanders (2021). 2021 Crusaders squad Props: Michael Alaalatoa, George Bower, Oli Jager, Joe Moody, Fletcher Newell*, Isi Tuungafasi, Tamaiti Williams* Hookers: Andrew Makalio, Brodie McAlister, Codie Taylor Stability is the cornerstone of success in any enterprise and that has been the common denominator in Crusaders success through the years. Richie Mo'unga and Brett Cameron continue at first five-eighths while midfield, in the initial absence of Braydon Ennor due to injury, is possibly the only area where the experience stats don't match the heights in other positions. Afternoon footy is back with a bang this Sunday as the defending champions the Crusaders take on the last team to beat them at home the Hurricanes. Highlanders rue missed opportunities against Crusaders. Hawke's Bay halfback Folau Fakatava's star continues to rise with his naming as the starting halfback in the Highlanders Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa game against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday. Couple of changes to the Highlanders backline for Chiefs clash. Valparaiso University will begin searching for a new team name after dropping Crusaders, the school mascot and all logos associated with the name because school officials said hate groups have embraced the term, the school … After four years of successive titles, it’s unsurprising to again see the Crusaders rank as firm favourites to claim the 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa title on the eve of the competition’s kick-off. Tommy joined Crusaders ahead of the club's debut season back in 2012 and is currently the all-time record holder for the most appearances, goals and points. 89% of the current 37-man squad has come through the Queensland pathway having been a part of Reds Academy programs, represented Queensland at either U18s or U20s level, played Queensland Premier Club Rugby or played for either Queensland Country or Brisbane City in the National Rugby Championship (NRC) or in the U19s (URC) competition. Seaview  6.500 Seats, Current transfer record: Whilst this morning’s news that World Rugby has made the tough decision to recommend the postponement of Rugby World Cup 2021 came as a huge shock to players and fans around the world, the Black Ferns are taking the impending decision on the chin and moving forward. Eckley, who came through the academy system at Super League club St Helens and has represented England at university level, had a previous spell with Crusaders in 2019, making nine appearances in total as he started to put his marker down towards the end of the campaign. Ending the losing streak that saw them winless in last year's Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa competition would go a long way to taking outside pressures off the Chiefs when playing the Highlanders in Hamilton on Friday. Experience and continuity run through the 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa squads announced today with just 26 rookies across New Zealand’s five clubs and just nine player transfers.