Crusaders 2019

Chris

@Stargazer Awesome he is staying his experience is crucial with losing a few experienced players.

SammyC

@Stargazer said in Crusaders 2019:

Crusaders stalwart Luke Romano didn't have to think too long or hard when presented with the opportunity to join the New Zealand player exodus offshore.

While a chunk of his teammates will play their final game for the decorated franchise in Saturday's Super Rugby final against the Jaguares - including Ryan Crotty (Japan) and Jordan Taufua (England) - Romano is staunchly committed to ending his career as a Crusader.

Off-contract at the end of the 2019 season, the former All Black lock has been presented with at least a couple of lucrative deals at European clubs over the past year, but has made it clear he has no interest in chasing a dollar abroad.

"It just boils down to my passion," Romano told Newshub. "I grew up here in Christchurch, the Crusaders were the team that I looked up to, 

"I always wanted to play for the Crusaders and obviously I always wanted to be an All Black.

"When you have a passion like that, that's what drives you to reach those goals. I don't have any drive to go play for another team on the other side of the world. 

"It just doesn’t float my boat, I guess.

The 33-test international has yet to commit to a new deal with the defending champions, but confirmed he has one on the table that he's hoping to finalise shortly.

Romano says he has plenty of gas left in the tank and believes his veteran presence could be crucial next year, considering the amount of outgoing talent.

"I still feel like I've got a couple of good years left in me, playing at this level here in NZ," Romano said. "With the experience the Crusaders are losing… it's quite crucial to have someone with a bit of experience in the group.

"Hopefully, it all works out and you'll see me in the red-and-black again next year."

Stuff

What a legend

Tim

Any word on Todd's plans for 2020?

Stargazer

@Tim Haven't seen or heard anything, yet.

Tim

Crusaders flanker Matt Todd said he was "gutted" Crotty wouldn't get a chance to don the red and black jersey one last time, something the 31-year-old might be about to do himself, as the red and blacks eye up a three-peat, and 10th title overall.

"Could well be. Hopefully that [contract situation] will all be sorted very soon. Could well be. Just trying to enjoy the week, really," Todd said.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/113921496/super-rugby-abs-ryan-crotty-and-scott-barrett-to-miss-final-with-hand-injuries

chchfanatic

@ACT-Crusader he lives in Brisbane. Was married to my cousin. Great man

chchfanatic

Heard an interesting rumour on Saturday night. Crusaders have signed an all blacks prop for next year.

Tim

@chchfanatic Reuben O'Neill or Kane Hames?

Bovidae

Hames was the first name I thought of, as based in Ta$man. He hasn't played in 2 seasons.

gt12

Laulala going back? I would imagine that they’d chase a TH?

Tim

@gt12 Signed for next season already.

Tim

@gt12 Perry has been injured a lot, leaving little backup for Moody.

gt12

@Tim

Hames would be a good fit, but I wonder if he can come back. I use Hope it’s no other Chief!

Yeetyaah

It'd have to be Hames. Does O'Neill count as an All Black when he hadn't been capped?

Chris

I hope its not Hames I think his best days are gone.We really need a TH as well as LH backup.We only have Jager as TH backup.
Bower can play both sides

Stargazer

Maybe Ofa Tu'ungafasi is doing a Lomax and moves to Chch to join his brother mid-contract.

chchfanatic

Only one person has got it right

Nogusta

@chchfanatic Ofa Tuugafaasi

Duluth

@Nogusta said in Crusaders 2019:

Ofa Tuugafaasi

I thought he was signed until 2021? The Blues giving him a release?

Chris

Or
Laulala

The Silver Fern

Crusaders 2019