Crusaders legend Ryan Crotty is back in the red and black.
The team confirmed on Wednesday the former All Blacks midfielder has signed on with the Christchurch-based club for the 2024 Super Rugby season.
Crotty last played for the Crusaders in 2019 before heading to Japan, where he played four seasons for the Kubota Spears.
However, family reasons brought him back home to the South Island, where he made nine appearances for Canterbury during the 2023 NPC season.
"Japan was great, a really good experience, but it felt like time to come home," Crotty said.
"Young family life, you know, it's so precious to spend more time with the kids - they didn't travel with me to Japan for that last season, so I'm hugely grateful to be here.
"Christchurch and the Crusaders are home for me and I'm just really excited to reconnect with some special friends."
Crotty has played 151 matches for the red and blacks - winning three straight titles with the Crusaders.
His 48 All Blacks tests will be a valuable addition to the midfield, which has lost Jack Goodhue to France and will be without Braydon Ennor (knee injury) for most of the season.
Crusaders coach Rob Penney said Crotty was "a great pro and legend of the club" who will undoubtedly play an important part in the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.
"He decided the coals were still burning hot for another campaign, and we were of course very enthusiastic about him coming back into camp," Penney said.
Crotty will join David Havili, Dallas McLeod, Levi Aumua and the injured Ennor as the team's midfield options for 2024.
