Jason Macdonald is the Crusaders’ only draft player for the 2009 season. Macdonald's previous Super rugby experiences have been with the Highlanders and with Corey Flynn breaking his left arm against Munster while playing for the All Blacks on their tour of the United Kingdom, he assumed a leading role at hooker during the early part of the Super 14 season. Macdonald took over the senior hooker's role after Flynn re-broke his arm in the Crusaders second match of the season against the Brumbies. He played an important part in the team's charge to the semi-finals, his lineout throwing in particular was accurate and he formed a good understanding with jumpers Brad Thorn and Isaac Ross.