As the Super Rugby Pacific landscape undergoes significant changes for the upcoming 2024 season, the Crusaders find themselves at the forefront of a transformative period, bidding farewell to a historic era under former coach Scott Robertson and ushering in a new chapter under Rob Penney.
The departure of Robertson, fondly known as “Razor,” marks the end of an era, with his move to the All Blacks job accompanied by the exit of the esteemed rugby mind of Scott Hansen and coach Jason Ryan. In the wake of this coaching reshuffle, the Crusaders face the challenge of building upon a legacy of unparalleled success.
Several stalwart players, including Richie Mo’unga, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Jack Goodhue, and Sione Havili Talitui, have bid farewell to the Crusaders, along with the absence of Braydon Ennor, who is recovering from an ACL injury.
Embracing change, the Crusaders welcome nine new faces to the squad, with the standout addition being Welsh legend Leigh Halfpenny. The veteran’s expression of interest in the No. 10 jersey sparked speculation, though Penney firmly asserted that Halfpenny remains a fullback at heart.
“It’s a great opportunity for someone to put their hand up,” said Penney. “Taha (Kemara) has been here for a season now and is a very talented individual, and Rivez (Reihana) matured and led Northland around really effectively. Neither of them have had a great deal of experience at Super yet, and it’s really important for people around them to take the heat off them and let them do their thing.”
The squad is set for a European tour in January, facing Munster and the Bristol Bears before commencing the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season on February 23.
In a strategic move, veteran All Black Codie Taylor will take a sabbatical for the majority of the season, returning before the regular season’s conclusion. This opens the door for rising talent George Bell, named an injury reserve for the All Blacks’ Rugby World Cup campaign, to make his mark on the Crusaders’ journey.
The Crusaders’ 2024 Super Rugby Pacific squad reflects a blend of experience and fresh talent, setting the stage for an ambitious and competitive campaign.
Crusaders Squad for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific Season:
- Codie Taylor
- Brodie McAlister
- George Bell
- Ioane Moananu
- Joe Moody
- Finlay Brewis
- George Bower
- Tamaiti Williams
- Fletcher Newell
- Scott Barrett (capt)
- Quinten Strange
- Tahlor Cahill
- Zach Gallagher
- Jamie Hannah
- Ethan Blackadder
- Cullen Grace
- Tom Christie
- Christian Lio-Willie
- Corey Kellow
- Dominic Gardiner
- Noah Hotham
- Mitchell Drummond
- Willi Heinz
- Fergus Burke
- Taha Kemara
- Rivez Reihana
- David Havili
- Dallas McLeod
- Levi Aumua
- Ryan Crotty
- Jone Rova
- Will Jordan
- Sevu Reece
- Macca Springer
- Manasa Mataele
- Chay Fihaki
- Leigh Halfpenny
- Heremaia Murray