Canterbury captain when the side lifted the Ranfurly Shield offBay of Plenty in 2004, Sam Broomhall made his debut for the Crusaders in 2001 and was an All Black just over 12 months later. The Ellesmere College old boy and Leeston club stalwart specialised at No 8 but also deputised well on the blindside flank during a career where he offered great value to every side for which he appeared. As well as his Test caps in 2002, which included a role in New Zealand’s Tri-Nations winning squad of that year, Broomhall made 63 appearances for Canterbury between his debut and his final match against Bay of Plenty during the 2005 campaign. That experience has served Broomhall well since he took up a playing opportunity with Clermont-Auvergne in the French Top 14, with the club excelling on the back of its ‘Crusaders connection’, which also includes former playing member Tony Marsh.