The Crusaders are a New Zealand professional rugby union team based in Christchurch, who compete in the Super Rugby competition. They have won 10 titles.
After four straight titles, the Crusaders head into 2022 as contenders yet again with an embarrassment of riches across the board. While they only lost six players from last year, they will be without Braydon Enor for the whole Super Rugby Pacific season and George Bridge for the first half through injury.
It’s a big loss across the backline, but the Crusaders remain dangerous with Sevu Reece, Jack Goodhue and David Havilli remaining alongside Richie Mo’unga and Bryn Hall.
Adding to their squad, Robertson has named four rookies, all of whom have come through the Crusaders academy. It’s a testament to their program and means all four players have trained with the squad before.
Crusaders Super Rugby Pacific squads announced
Hookers: Codie Taylor, Andrew Makalio, Brodie McAlister
Props: Joe Moody, Michael Alaalatoa, George Bower, Oliver Jager, Tamaiti Williams, Isi Tu’ungafasi, Fletcher Newell
Locks: Scott Barrett (captain), Sam Whitelock, Mitchell Dunshea, Quinten Strange, Luke Romano
Loose forwards: Cullen Grace, Tom Christie, Ethan Blackadder, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Sione Havili, Tom Sanders
Halfbacks: Bryn Hall, Mitchell Drummond, Ere Enari
Flyhalves Richie Mo’unga, Brett Cameron, Fergus Burke
Centres: Jack Goodhue, Braydon Ennor, Dallas McLeod
Outside backs: Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, George Bridge, David Havili, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Manasa Mataele, Chay Fihaki, Isaiah Punivai
Departures: Fetuli Paea, Billy Harmon, Harry Allan, Inga Finau, Ethan Roots, Matt Todd.