New All Blacks first-five Brett Cameron is among the newcomer named in the Crusaders squad for the 2019 Super Rugby season.
Whanganui-born Cameron earned a national team call-up for this week's test against Japan, after guiding Canterbury through another successful Mitre 10 Cup, falling just short of defending their title in a thrilling overtime final against Auckland.
He continues a long line of outstanding first-fives from the province - Dan Carter, Colin Slade, Tom Taylor and Richie Mo'unga have all pulled on the black jersey over the past decade.
"We're really excited about the new talent joining our back-line this season," says Crusaders coach Scott Robertson.
"Brett did a fantastic job, steering Canterbury around the park. He's a balanced number 10, who possesses a good turn of speed, and both his kicking out of hand and his goal-kicking are exceptional."
Two other newcomers to the backs are Canterbury's Ngane Punivai and Tasman's Leicester Faingaanuku.
"Leicester was an incredible age-group player and dominated through schools rugby," says Robertson. "His size and power are his greatest strengths, so it's no surprise he finds his way to the try-line frequently."
Loose forward Whetu Douglas returns to the Crusaders, after a stint with Italian club Bennetton.
"Whetu was a popular member of our team in 2017, with fans and teammates alike, so we are thrilled to have him back in a Crusaders jersey," says Robertson.
"He's a genuine leader and a great team man."
The full 2019 Crusaders Super Rugby squad is:
Forwards - Michael Alaalatoa, Harry Allan, Scott Barrett, Ethan Blackadder, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Mitchell Dunshea, Owen Franks, Ben Funnell, Billy Harmon, Oliver Jager, Andrew Makalio, Joe Moody, Tim Perry, Kieran Read, Luke Romano, Tom Sanders, Quinten Strange, Jordan Taufua, Codie Taylor, Matt Todd, Sam Whitelock
Backs - Tim Bateman, George Bridge, Brett Cameron*, Ryan Crotty, Israel Dagg, Mitchell Drummond, Ereatara Enari, Braydon Ennor, Leicester Faingaanuku*, Jack Goodhue, Bryn Hall, David Havili, Mitchell Hunt, Will Jordan, Manasa Mataele, Richie Mo'unga, Ngane Punivai*
*New Crusaders rugby
More to come
