The Crusaders have officially confirmed their squad for the 2025 Super Rugby season.
Less than 100 days to go until the start of the Super Rugby Pacific season, the Crusaders have announced a 38-man squad for next season, headlined by the arrival of Wallaby James O'Connor.
O'Connor will bring in nearly 20 years of experience, while all eyes will be on Kyle Preston after he helped guide the Wellington Lions to the NPC title as their starting halfback.
It has also been confirmed that Scott Barrett will no longer captain the side with an announcement to be made in the coming months.
“We've got a great group, and all the coaches are looking forward to getting our hands on them and preparing together here at Rugby Park,” said Rob Penney, Crusaders Head Coach.
“There is fantastic depth there, and a great mix of experience and youthful energy coming through.
“We're excited to see what this group can do and build off our 2024 season.”
Full Squad for 2025
Forwards: Fletcher Newell, George Bower, Tamaiti Williams, Finlay Brewis, Seb Calder, Codie Taylor, Ioane Moananu, George Bell, Quinten Strange, Scott Barrett, Jamie Hannah, Dom Gardiner, Tahlor Cahill, Tom Christie, Cullen Grace, Cory Kellow, Ethan Blackadder, Christian Lio-Willie, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Antonio Shalfoon, Fletcher Anderson, Xavier Saifoloi
Backs: Mitch Drummond, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Taha Kemara, James O'Connor, Dallas McLeod, Braydon Ennor, David Havili, Levi Aumua, Chay Fihaki, Sevu Reece, Macca Springer, Will Jordan, Johnny McNicoll, Kyle Preston, Aki Tuivailala
Player Movements
In: Kershal Sykes-Martin, Seb Calder, Antonio Shalfoon, Fletcher Anderson, Xavier Saifoloi, Kyle Preston, James O'Connor (Reds), Brayden Ennor, Johnny McNicholl, Aki Tuivailala.
Out: Joe Moody, Owen Franks, Brodie McAlister, Willie Heinz, Ryan Crotty, Heremaia Murray, Manasa Mataele, Zach Gallagher (Hurricanes), Fergus Burke (Saracens), Jone Rova (Canterbury), Leigh Halfpenny (Harlequins)