Crusaders farewell club stalwarts in 2025 squad

Some experienced heads have called time on illustrious Crusaders careers ahead of the 2025 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season.

Names like Joe Moody, Ryan Crotty and Owen Franks are all absent from the club's squad naming today, along with notable young guns like playmaker Fergus Burke and hooker Brodie McAlister who is currently with the All Blacks as injury cover.

The 14-time champions have recruited some intriguing talents in their place, including the headline signing of former Wallaby James O'Connor. 2024 New Zealand U20 representative Aki Tuivailala has also been recruited, the versatile back is another Hamilton Boys High product to head south, joining fellow young guns Noah Hotham and Taha Kemara.

Wellington Lions star halfback Kyle Preston is fresh off an NPC title and joins the Crusaders, replacing veteran Willi Heinz in the squad. Xavier Saifoloi is another young prospect to keep an eye on in the loose forwards.

“We’ve got a great group, and all the coaches are looking forward to getting our hands on them and preparing together here at Rugby Park,” said Crusaders Head Coach Rob Penney.

“There is fantastic depth there, and a great mix of experience and youthful energy coming through.

“We’re excited to see what this group can do and build off our 2024 season.”

Crusaders squad for 2025:

Tamaiti Williams

Fletcher Newell

George Bower

Kershawl Sykes-Martin

Finlay Brewis

Seb Calder

Codie Taylor

George Bell

Ioane Moananu

Scott Barrett

Quinten Strange

Tahlor Cahill

Jamie Hannah

Antonio Shalfoon

Ethan Blackadder

Christian Lio-Willie

Tom Christie

Cullen Grace

Corey Kellow

Dominic Gardiner

Fletcher Anderson

Savier Saifoloi

Noah Hotham

Mitchell Drummond

Kyle Preston

James O'Connor

Rivez Reihana

Taha Kemara

David Havili

Braydon Ennor

Levi Aumua

Dallas McLeod

Will Jordan

Sevu Reece

Chay Fihaki

Macca Springer

Johnny McNicholl

Aki Tuivailala