Crusaders 2023

[KiwiMurph]

I'm not sure Springer stands out quite as much as Jordan at the same age but that's no slight on Springer as Jordan was amazing.

Really good player Springer - excellent pick-up. Good to see another NZ U20 player from this year graduate to Super Rugby.

[Stargazer]

Oliver Jager Signs Contracts

Irish prop Oli Jager has committed the next two years to the Crusaders

[Chris]

Further on the Macca Springer signing for the Crusaders It is a 3 year deal the same as the deals signed by George Bell and Noah Hotham.

[Chris B.]

So, we are losing Bridge, Hall, Klein and Matera - and replacing them with Springer, Hotham, Bell and Lio-Willie.

Then I guess there's a few optional changes (like Klein) - Hickey, McLeod and Punivai are guys I'd be looking closely at trying to upgrade from.

Anyone else likely to be lost - Sevu a possibility, but I reckon he'll hang on for RWC.

[Chris]

@Chris-B said in Crusaders 2023:

So, we are losing Bridge, Hall, Klein and Matera - and replacing them with Springer, Hotham, Bell and Lio-Willie.

Then I guess there's a few optional changes (like Klein) - Hickey, McLeod and Punivai are guys I'd be looking closely at trying to upgrade from.

Anyone else likely to be lost - Sevu a possibility, but I reckon he'll hang on for RWC.

Kini Naholo also going to another franchise.

[Chris B.]

@Chris Is that right? That's a pity - even though we barely used him.

I guess that would open a spot for the Northlander, Murray (?) that Steven Harris was mentioning.

[Chris]

@Chris-B said in Crusaders 2023:

@Chris Is that right? That's a pity - even though we barely used him.

I guess that would open a spot for the Northlander, Murray (?) that Steven Harris was mentioning.

Yep as far as I understand he is taking up an offer elsewhere.
Explains the interest in Murray.

[Stargazer]

Dan Perrin named as Crusaders Forwards Coach

Tasman Mako Co-Coach Dan Perrin has been named as the new Crusaders Assistant Coach - Forwards

[Grooter]

☝️As you can all see Chay Fihaki re-signed

[Crazy Horse]

@FakatavaAllBlack said in Crusaders 2023:

☝️As you can all see Chay Fihaki re-signed

He needs a big year.

[Yeetyaah]

Bugger, was hoping the Chiefs would swoop in on him. Great player.

[frugby]

@Chris which franchise?

[Chris]

@friedrugby said in Crusaders 2023:

@Chris which franchise?

I am not sure which one,Chiefs and Hurricanes both offered contracts,

[Chris]

As I mentioned a few weeks ago Macca Springer signed for Crusaders to 2025.

Macca Springer Signs First. Crusaders Contract for 2023

Outside back Macca Springer has signed his first Super Rugby contract with the Crusaders for the upcoming 2023 Season. Welcome Macca!

[Chris]

[Chris]

Brodie McAlister Signs New Crusaders Contract

Crusaders Hooker Brodie McAlister has signed a new contract to 2025.

[Nogusta]

I believe Melani Nanai will be a Crusader in 2023.

[Tim]

@Nogusta Has he still got it? Because he was bloody good before he went overseas.

[Asterik6]

@Nogusta said in Crusaders 2023:

I believe Melani Nanai will be a Crusader in 2023.

If true, that's interesting, as they have excess quality outside back options but are in serious need of some proper starch in the midfield, as (apart from Goodhue) they have no midfielders who are strong & effective ball-carriers and can get over the advantage line consistently.

Fainganuku is an option but he's an abysmal defender & has the literal turning ability of a container ship. His weakness are far too exposed at 13. Can't see Isiah Punivai offering strong midfield impact either, while Ennor is even lighter than Havili at just 92 kg.

I wonder if Macca Springer could shuffle into 12 after Havili goes & inevitably chases the Yen? He's a solid, powerful unit at 1.9 and 100kg, similar to the mould of Riley Higgens, and he's currently just 19, so has a fair amount of growing still to come.

[gt12]

@Asterik6

I'll bet my house that Ennor isn't 92 kgs**

(** I don't have a house)