Tom Taylor

Canterbury and Crusaders back, Tom Taylor, has announced he will move to France to play for the Bayonne Club at the end of this year.

Taylor says it’s been a tough decision to leave, but it is a great opportunity for him and he is looking forward to the next chapter of his career.

“I have absolutely loved my time here at Canterbury and the Crusaders, especially being a Christchurch boy.

“I’ve grown up with these teams and it’s certainly been a tough decision to leave my home town, but this is an exciting opportunity for the next part of my rugby career. I’ve been very lucky to have worked with some great players, coaches and management and would like to thank them for helping me become the player and person I am today. I would also like to thank everyone who has supported me over my playing career here.”

Crusaders head Ccoach Todd Blackadder said Taylor’s move would be a real loss to the Crusaders.

“Tom has an enormous amount of talent and a great rugby brain. His skills, versatility and attitude are greatly valued here and will be missed. We will be sad to see Tom go but respect and support his decision, and in the meantime we will enjoy having Tom around for the rest of this Super Rugby season and we will all be hoping to make it a special one for him.”

Canterbury head coach Scott Robertson added, “Tom is a fantastic footy player who is yet to reach his playing peak. He is also just an incredibly nice guy who is an absolute pleasure to have around.

“His teammates, coaches and team management all hold him in high regard and I know they will all want to see him do well wherever he plays. We wish him all the best for his future endeavors and hope that he will continue to call this home and return here one day.”

Crusaders and Canterbury Rugby CEO Hamish Riach said it would be sad for both teams to lose a player of this calibre.

“Tom is like a son to many of us here, as we have watched him grow up and develop into such a fine young man and talented player. Tom will be sorely missed by everyone here who has had the pleasure of working alongside him, but we wish him only the best for his overseas experience and hope to welcome him home again one day.

Taylor has signed a three year contract with Bayonne and says he is certainly not discounting returning to play in New Zealand again one day.

“At the moment all of my focus is on the season ahead. I am fully committed to the Crusaders for the rest of this season and will give my all for the team. I am also determined for a chance to be involved in this year’s Rugby World Cup. If that doesn’t happen then I will give my full commitment to the Canterbury team and enjoy playing another ITM Cup season.”