The Crusaders will launch one more title defence with some key squad additions and departures in 2026, with a much-anticipated season forward in a model new stadium.
Leicester Fainga’anuku headlines the additions, with a handful of latest New Zealand U20 expertise becoming a member of the All Blacks bruiser to provide Rob Penney’s squad a brand new flavour.
These kids embody hooker Manumaua Letiu, lock Liam Jack, playmaker James White, midfielder Toby Bell, and out of doors again Maloni Kunawave.
“We’ve acquired a bunch of males right here who perceive what it means to be a Crusader,” Penney mentioned of his chosen squad.
“They’re hungry and able to work. There’s an excellent stability of expertise and youth, and we’re enthusiastic about what this group can obtain collectively.”
The departing gamers embody flanker Tom Christie (Newcastle Crimson Bulls), hooker Ioane Moananu (Waratahs), Quinten Strange (Urayasu D-Rocks), Fletcher Anderson (Scarlets), Levi Aumua (Yokohama Canon Eagles), James O’Connor (Leicester Tigers), and Mitch Drummond.
Crusaders squad for 2026
Props
- George Bower
- Finlay Brewis
- Seb Calder
- Fletcher Newell
- Kershawl Sykes-Martin
- Tamaiti Williams
Hookers
- George Bell
- Manumaua Letiu
- Codie Taylor
Locks
- Scott Barrett
- Tahlor Cahill
- Liam Jack
- Jamie Hannah
- Antonio Shalfoon
Loose Forwards
- Ethan Blackadder
- Dominic Gardiner
- Cullen Grace
- Corey Kellow
- Christian Lio-Willie
- Xavier Saifoloi
Halfbacks
- Louie Chapman
- Noah Hotham
- Kyle Preston
First-fives
- Taha Kemara
- Rivez Reihana
- James White
Midfielders
- Braydon Ennor
- Leicester Fainga?anuku
- David Havili (C)
- Dallas McLeod
- Aki Tuivailala
- Toby Bell
Outside Backs
- Chay Fihaki
- Will Jordan
- Maloni Kunawave
- Johnny McNicholl
- Sevu Reece
- Macca Springer
