Codie Taylor the latest senior All Black to ink long-term deal
All Blacks, Crusaders and Canterbury hooker Codie Taylor has become the latest top player to recommit long term to New Zealand Rugby (NZR), inking a deal through to 2025
30-year-old Taylor has played 66 Tests for the All Blacks since making his debut in 2015 and was part of the Rugby World Cup 2015-winning squad.
“I’m hugely grateful for another opportunity to play in New Zealand, especially given the current Covid situation around the world,” Taylor said.
“My wife Lucy and I have a young family, and putting my family first was a big part of my decision. We love it here in Christchurch and we’re settled and happy.
“There’s also a lot I want to achieve with the Crusaders and hopefully the All Blacks over the next few years, and I’m really looking forward to playing at home for my teams and in front of our fans.”
Taylor follows in the footsteps of senior players Ardie Savea, Sam Cane and Joe Moody who all recently announced NZR contract extensions beyond 2023, joining Patrick Tuipulotu, Ofa Tuungafasi and Samisoni Taukei’aho.
All Blacks head coach Ian Foster said: “We’re really pleased that we have yet another experienced All Black recommitting his future to New Zealand Rugby. We’re delighted for Codie and his family, and really looking forward to seeing how his game goes next year and beyond.”
Taylor has played 103 matches for the Crusaders since making his debut in 2013.
Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson said: “Codie is a genuine leader in our group, who makes players around him better through the example he sets on and off the field. He’s immensely talented and also one of the hardest workers, driving standards and constantly demanding more of himself. We’re fortunate to have a player of his calibre recommit to the Crusaders long term.”
CRFU CEO Tony Smail added: “Codie’s a fantastic man and a passionate club man too, which is really important here in Canterbury. Codie is often down at Sydenham giving back, and to other parts of the region too. We’re grateful to have Codie and his family continue as part of the Canterbury Rugby wh?nau.”
- New Zealand Rugby
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I never said Love should replace McKenzie. I said Love should replace B Barrett.
Robertston wouldn't be 'trying to lose' if he started younger players: Papalii for Cane, Ratima for Perenara, Love for B Barrett. He would be developing players. So far, his team has: barely beaten England twice, smashed Fiji, lost/then smashed the Pumas, and lost to the Springboks twice. It's not like he's won seven from seven. He's already got a losing record. He may as well find out if his up-and-coming players have what it takes.
McKenzie had great potential at the face of it. Fantastic athlete and tough as nails for a little guy. But lacks the top two inches for test 10. The main issue with McKenzie is that be operates on instinct. When his preset plan does not work and he can't cut them up e.g. broken play he tends to: kick poorly, run sideways, or throw a bad pass.
We won't know if Love will reach his potential until someone chucks him in the deep end and see's if he swims. An away game in South Africa would've been perfect. While Love is also a great athlete, he appears to be less instinctive that McKenzie. That might make all the difference, time will tell.
Go to commentsMove Savea into the ABs bomb squad. The Boks have Kwagga Smith and Marx in their bomb squad because they want to finish the game with their best forwards. The ABs must have Savea come on inthe last 30 minutes to close out the game.
7 Cane (when he retires Peter Lakai can take over)
6 Ethan Blackadder
8 Wallace Sititi
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