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Dominic Gardiner tipped to have ‘very important’ role in Crusaders’ future
By Finn Morton
Former New Zealand U20s forward Dominic Gardiner has re-committed to the Crusaders for another few seasons through to 2027. Gardiner proved to be a reliable option for the club once again in 2024, making 10 appearances which included a handful of starts.
Gardiner wore the No. 6 jersey in five consecutive matches to start the Crusaders’ new era under coach Rob Penney before dropping back to the bench. With the 23-year-old coming off the pine, Corey Kellow and Cullen Grace were given chances to start on the blindside.
It was another promising campaign from the loose forward who is primed for a big few seasons ahead in Christchurch. Since debuting for the club in 2022 against Moana Pasifika, Gardiner has made 25 appearances for the Crusaders.
During Gardiner’s stint at the club so far, the former All Blacks XV squad member has been part of two championship-winning sides. With a telling presence around the breakdown and some versatility to offer, this is an important re-signing for the Crusaders moving forward.
“I continue to live my dream at the Crusaders, so it was a no-brainer to sign on with the club until 2027,” Gardiner said in a statement.
“I’m looking forward to getting back around the boys in pre-season and proving ourselves.
“Added motivation, of course, was also the chance to play at One New Zealand stadium in 2026. Christchurch has been through so much, and it’ll be huge for the community to have it open.”
Heralded as an exciting rugby talent on the rise, Gardiner was selected in the All Blacks XV’s squad to take on Ireland A and the Barbarians in 2022. Gardiner was named along with Billy Harmon, Luke Jacobson, Christian Lio-Willie and Marino Mikaele-Tu’u in the backrow.
Ian Foster, who was the All Blacks coach at the time, helped select the squad. That in itself just goes to show that Gardiner has plenty of potential within rugby’s ranks in New Zealand, so it’s not difficult to understand why the Crusaders are so thrilled with the announcement.
“Dom is a very important piece of the future at the Crusaders and we’re rapt to secure his commitment,” coach Rob Penney explained. “He’s a proven performer with plenty of room to grow, which is the exciting bit from the organisation’s perspective.”
The Crusaders Academy graduate offers some aforementioned versatility, with the Cantabrian starting at second row twice during this year’s NPC campaign. Gardiner packed down at No. 5 lock against Auckland before making an appearance at No. 4.
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Latest Comments
Which country do you think was instrumental in developing rugby in Argentina which then spun off into the rest of Latin South America? South Africa was touring Argentine in the 50's with their Junior Bok side on three months development tours. And they didn't do it to cultivare players for the Boks. Regarding Africa you are not taking into account that South Africa itself is an emerging nation. The rugby union has prioritised the development of rugby in South African rural communities with outstanding success.
It has taken 15 years to build the participation of rugby both in playing and watching. For South Africa on its own to build a viable international rugby competition in africa will take generations - not decades. New Zealanders seem to resent the fact that SA has doubled the income of the URC since their inclusion. If New Zealand Rugby hadn't insisted on have a disproportionate slice of the pie in Super Rugby, SA might not have fled the coop.
Go to commentsDon't think you've watched enough. I'll take him over anything I's seen so far. But let's see how the future pans out. I'm quietly confident we have a row of 10's lined uo who would each start in many really good teams.
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