The Crusaders have re-signed a number of their current players who come off contract at the end of this season, including All Black Ryan Crotty and centre Robbie Fruean.
After prop Wyatt Crockett’s re-signing until the end of 2018 was announced earlier this week, Crotty signed up until the end of 2017. Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder said both players would play an important role in next year’s squad both on and off the field, as 2 of the senior members of the squad.
Dynamic centre Fruean will return in 2016, determined to show more of the flair that we saw in the few games he was able to play this season. Fruean had his season cut short by a fractured arm sustained in the 3rd Round, but made an impressive return from injury to assist his team to wins against the Hurricanes and Blues recently. Blackadder said he had made an immediate impact when he returned to play and he looks forward to seeing him inject more of that power and punch into the Crusaders backline next season.
Joining Crockett and already contracted Owen Franks at prop again next season will be Tim Perry. Perry has had a frustrating season on the sidelines after an injury sustained in the 2014 National Provincial Championship semifinal, however Blackadder said he is a quality player who is getting back to his best and he is sure that he will be ready to make an impact in 2016.
Codie Taylor, who has impressed at hooker this year, will also return in 2016. Blackadder said he had made strides in his setpiece skills this season and his attacking abilities give him an exciting edge.
Young lock Scott Barrett will return in 2016 after being catapulted into the starting line-up at just 21 years of age and holding his own alongside All Black locks Sam Whitelock and Luke Romano. Blackaddder said he had more than proved himself and the Crusaders were excited about the future for Barrett.
The experienced Andy Ellis and relative rookie Mitchell Drummond will continue to compete for the starting scrumhalf spot in 2016. Blackadder said Drummond had come a long way over the 2015 season and was starting to show his exceptional potential. He said Ellis continues to be a player of class and his experience and leadership will be vital next year.
The Crusaders have also announced that 3 players in this year’s wider training group will be promoted to the full squad in 2016 – utility back David Havili, flyhalf / fullback Richie Mo’unga and forward Jed Brown.
Blackadder said Havili had been 1 of the most impressive players for the Crusaders this season. He said his skills and confidence on the field defy his age and he is excited about working with him again in 2016.
Mo’unga has been making a name for himself since he was playing schoolboy rugby as an up and coming talent, and Blackadder said he is bound to have the opportunity to really make his mark in 2016 with experienced flyhalves Dan Carter, Colin Slade, Tom Taylor and Tyler Bleyendaal all playing offshore.
Brown is another player who has had a frustrating 2015 hampered by injury, but will be rearing to go in 2016. Blackadder said Brown is a hard-worker with the potential to be an outstanding forward in the mould of Matt Todd. He has spent a couple of years in the wider training group and Blackadder believes he is ready to step up and impress in 2016.
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