The Crusaders have welcomed former All Black Ryan Crotty to training amid a horror run of injuries worsening by the week.
Already missing the likes of Sevu Reece, George Bower, Joe Moody and Fletcher Newell for the rest of the season, Tuesday saw Crusaders assistant coach James Marshall fear the side had suffered two more casualties.
Midfielder David Havili limped out of Saturday's win over the Waratahs with what's feared to be a hamstring injury, while No.8 Cullen Grace suffered a dislocated kneecap.
In fact, so deep are the Crusaders' injury issues, former All Black John Afoa has been drafted in and made his club debut against the Waratahs at the age of 39.
Answering the call of his former side, though, the Crusaders posted a video to Instagram showing Crotty back in full training.
The Crusaders have confirmed to Newshub that Super Rugby regulations will prevent Crotty from signing to return for the club as a player, but are happy to open their doors for him to use their facilities.
Crotty, 34, last played for the Crusaders in 2019, helping steer the Canterbury side to what was at that point a third title in as many seasons.
After that year's Rugby World Cup, Crotty traded New Zealand for Japan, where he's been playing for Kubota Spears for the past four seasons.
Since his debut in 2009, Crotty made 150 appearances for the Crusaders, to go with 48 tests for the All Blacks.
