VIDEO: Crusaders retain key player for 2018

Three test All Black Seta Tamanivalu will spend a second season in red and black next year, having re-signed with the Crusaders for 2018.

The winger said it was a relatively straight-forward decision when he thought about how much he has been enjoying this first year with the team.

The timing of the announcement comes a day before Tamanivalu's Crusaders are to face his old team, the Chiefs, in the Super Rugby semi finals. He joined the Chiefs in 2015 but moved south to play his third Super Rugby season with the Crusaders this year.

Born in Fiji and formerly an Under 18 Fiji Rugby League representative, Tamanivalu burst onto the New Zealand rugby scene in 2012 when he was selected in the Taranaki provincial team. In 2014 he was recognised as New Zealand’s provincial Player of the Year. He debuted for the All Blacks in 2016 during the three test series against Wales.

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson praised Tamanivalu for the important contribution he has made to the team, on and off the field, in his first season here.

“Seta came here with a winning attitude and a desire to make an impact on this team.  There is no doubt that he has done that.  The boys love having him around because of his fun-loving nature and cheeky humour, but then he takes the field and transforms into this threatening, potent attacking force.  We love that about him and we are excited that we will be able to continue working with his natural talents in 2018.”