The Crusaders will launch yet another title defence with some key squad additions and departures in 2026, with a much-anticipated season ahead in a brand new stadium.
Leicester Fainga’anuku headlines the additions, with a handful of recent New Zealand U20 talent joining the All Blacks bruiser to give Rob Penney’s squad a new flavour.
Those youngsters include hooker Manumaua Letiu, lock Liam Jack, playmaker James White, midfielder Toby Bell, and outside back Maloni Kunawave.
“We’ve got a group of men here who understand what it means to be a Crusader,” Penney said of his selected squad.
“They’re hungry and ready to work. There’s a great balance of experience and youth, and we’re excited about what this group can achieve together.”
The departing players include flanker Tom Christie (Newcastle Red Bulls), hooker Ioane Moananu (Waratahs), Quinten Strange (Urayasu D-Rocks), Fletcher Anderson (Scarlets), Levi Aumua (Yokohama Canon Eagles), James O’Connor (Leicester Tigers), and Mitch Drummond.
Fixture
Super Rugby Pacific
Highlanders
01:05
13 Feb 26
Crusaders
All Stats and Data
Crusaders squad for 2026
Props
George Bower
Finlay Brewis
Seb Calder
Fletcher Newell
Kershawl Sykes-Martin
Tamaiti Williams
Hookers
George Bell
Manumaua Letiu
Codie Taylor
Locks
Scott Barrett
Tahlor Cahill
Liam Jack
Jamie Hannah
Antonio Shalfoon
Loose Forwards
Ethan Blackadder
Dominic Gardiner
Cullen Grace
Corey Kellow
Christian Lio-Willie
Xavier Saifoloi
Halfbacks
Louie Chapman
Noah Hotham
Kyle Preston
First-fives
Taha Kemara
Rivez Reihana
James White
Midfielders
Braydon Ennor
Leicester Fainga?anuku
David Havili (C)
Dallas McLeod
Aki Tuivailala
Toby Bell
Outside Backs
Chay Fihaki
Will Jordan
Maloni Kunawave
Johnny McNicholl
Sevu Reece
Macca Springer
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