The Crusaders squad will feature seven new players for the 2018 Super Rugby season.
Head Coach Scott Robertson announced his 38-man squad on Wednesday morning and said there was plenty for Crusaders fans to look forward to with a mixture of experience and emerging talent among the ranks for the upcoming season.
"We are fortunate to name a vastly experienced squad for 2018, including 12 All Blacks currently away on the end of year tour, along with Maori All Blacks and Barbarians representatives," Robertson said.
"Alongside that experience are some talented young players who have made a huge impact early on in their provincial careers and put their hand up to be selected in this squad for the first time."
The two new loose forwards joining the squad are Canterbury’s Billy Harmon and Tasman’s Ethan Blackadder.
"Billy was part of the Crusaders Academy and really made his mark during what was his second season in the Mitre 10 Cup this year.
"It's been great to see a young player take his opportunities in the No. 7 jersey for Canterbury, and he certainly made it his own towards the end of the season.
His performances tell us that he is ready to make the step up to Super Rugby and we’re excited to give him that opportunity", Robertson said.
"Ethan has had a fantastic season for Tasman and really matured in to his role throughout the campaign.
"He’s a player who always gets through a power of work and carries the ball well, but what has really impressed the coaching group is Ethan’s character; he is team-focused and genuine which we believe will stand him in good stead for Super Rugby."
Braydon Ennor and Will Jordan both debuted in the Mitre 10 Cup this season, for Canterbury and Tasman respectively, and have been named as two new outside backs in the squad.
Robertson said the World Champion New Zealand Under 20 representatives have taken the step up to provincial rugby in their stride.
"Braydon and Will have made the transition to Mitre 10 Cup look effortless in their debut seasons.
"Both were one and two on the competition stats for clean breaks and will add some real strike power to our back line options.
"Will has shown this season he is equally as dangerous on attack, strong with ball in hand and knows his way to the try line.
"He is another product of the Crusaders Academy and a former Canterbury Under 19 representative, who has potential in spades", Robertson said.
“I’m really proud of the squad we have announced today and, as a coaching group, we’re looking forward to seeing what we can achieve with this team in the new season.
"Each of the players we have named brings something different to the mix but I believe the combination of skills we have here is strong and the character of each of these men will add value to the BNZ Crusaders in 2018.”
2018 Crusaders squad:
Forwards: Michael Alaalatoa, Scott Barrett, Ethan Blackadder, Wyatt Crockett, Mitchell Dunshea, Owen Franks, Ben Funnell, Billy Harmon, Oliver Jager, Andrew Makalio, Joe Moody, Tim Perry, Kieran Read, Luke Romano, Pete Samu, Tom Sanders, Quinten Strange, Jordan Taufua, Codie Taylor, Matt Todd, Sam Whitelock
Backs: Tim Bateman, George Bridge, Ryan Crotty, Israel Dagg, Mike Delany, Mitchell Drummond, Braydon Ennor, Jack Goodhue, Bryn Hall, David Havilli, Mitchell Hunt, Will Jordan, Joe Macilai, Manasa Mataele, Richie Mo'unga, Jack Stratton, Seta Tamanivalu
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