2026 Crusaders squad announced
The Crusaders have officially named their squad for the 2026 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season, including a powerful mix of seasoned campaigners, and six rising stars who’ve earned full contracts and are ready to carry our legacy forward.
Led again by captain David Havili, the 38-man squad is eyeing up a huge year: a Super Rugby Pacific title defence, saying goodbye to the fortress that is Apollo Projects Stadium, a move into our new home at One New Zealand Stadium, all while celebrating 30 Years of Super Rugby.
“We’ve got a group of men here who understand what it means to be a Crusader,” says Head Coach Rob Penney.
“They’re hungry and ready to work. There’s a great balance of experience and youth, and we’re excited about what this group can achieve together.”
There are six exciting young prospects who have earned their first full Super Rugby contracts: Toby Bell, Louie Chapman, Maloni Kunawave, Liam Jack, Manumaua Letiu and James White.
All are products of the Crusaders Academy – a true testament to the strength of our development pathway.
Chapman, White and Letiu, all products of Christchurch Boys High School – Chapman and Letiu both former Head Boys – have proven their worth in the Wider Training Squad during the 2025 season and have earned their place in the full squad for 2026.
Midfielder Toby Bell has embedded himself within the NZ Rugby development pathway and the Crusaders Academy. His elevation to the full Crusaders squad reflects his growth and consistency throughout these pathways – expect big things from this sharp centre.
After anchoring the New Zealand U20s lineout in 2024, winning a Super Rugby U20 title in 2025, and proving his worth in the victorious NPC Canterbury side, Liam Jack is part of the next crop looking to make an impact in the red and black. Son of 1998 Super Rugby champion and former Crusader Graham and nephew of former All Black Chris, Liam Jack is full of rugby pedigree.
One to look out for is Maloni Kunawave. A dynamic outside back with Fijian flair, the 20-year-old represented New Zealand at the World Rugby Under 20 Championship earlier this year, then finished his season with the Tasman Mako. His inclusion in the 2026 squad adds another layer of power and unpredictability to the Crusaders backline stocks.
And in a move that’s sure to excite fans, Leicester Faingaʻanuku returns to the Crusaders after a stint with Toulon, bringing his explosive power and game-breaking ability back to the red and black.
After a high rugby load over the last few years, Scott Barrett’s sabbatical break has also been confirmed for part of the 2026 season. Exact dates of his return to the environment aren’t confirmed yet, but it is a similar approach to Codie Taylor’s sabbatical in 2024, and Barrett has the flexibility to decide at a later point in the season.
Will Tucker has been named as a replacement, and will join the team in January after a short stint in Japan. He will remain with the team for the duration of the season.
2026 Crusaders Squad
Forwards
Scott Barrett, George Bell, Ethan Blackadder, George Bower, Finlay Brewis, Tahlor Cahill, Seb Calder, Dominic Gardiner, Cullen Grace, Jamie Hannah, Liam Jack, Corey Kellow, Manumaua Letiu, Christian Lio-Willie, Fletcher Newell, Xavier Saifoloi, Antonio Shalfoon, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams,
Backs
Toby Bell, Louie Chapman, Braydon Ennor, Leicester Faingaʻanuku, Chay Fihaki, David Havili (C), Noah Hotham, Will Jordan, Taha Kemara, Maloni Kunawave, Dallas McLeod, Johnny McNicholl, Kyle Preston, Sevu Reece, Rivez Reihana, Macca Springer, Aki Tuivailala, James White
