A Canterbury kid’s moment: Johnny Lee set to become Crusader #303

Johnny Lee is set to make his Crusaders debut this weekend against the Highlanders, running out in front of a home crowd at Apollo Projects Stadium sets the scene for a dream moment in red and black for the young Cantab.  

He’s a humble, grounded young loose forward who’s come through the heart of our region, and now he gets his first chance to wear the jersey in Super Rugby Pacific.  

He learned the news he got the call up early on Monday morning.  

“Toddy told me Monday morning that I'll be starting at 7, I'm pretty excited,” he says.  

It took him a second to process it – not out of nerves, but because he’s been quietly working, head down, every day in this environment. 

“I didn't really know how to react at first. Just being in the environment, enjoying it every day, so I'm just excited for the opportunity,” he says. 

Johnny grew up in Canterbury, played his way through the age‑grade system, captained the Crusaders Junior XV side, and earned a spot in the NZ Under 20s in 2024.  

Not long after that, Tasman came calling.  

Time in the NPC competition helped round out his game, and he’s quick to point to the people around him.  

“I just had some great other loose forwards, like the likes of Ethan Blackadder and Sione Havili. They've just helped shape me and prepare me and I've had really good conversations with them and learnt a lot from them.” 

Versatility is one of his strengths, though he’s clear where he feels most at home.  

“Number one pick is probably 7, but whatever the team needs, I'm ready to prepare for.” 

He started out as a lock, moved to 8, and eventually found his home in the seven jersey. Even then, he doesn’t get too tangled up in the differences.  

“After the strike, it’s all just playing footy at the end of the day… I have the same role pretty much.”

This week, the Highlanders bring a real challenge at the breakdown, something he’s more than aware of.  

“They're a strong set‑piece and breakdown sort of team. They've got some good jackal threats, so I’ll just focus on my role, what I can do to try to prevent that and set the boys up,” he says. 

Behind the physicality and the work ethic, there’s also the kid who once played ice hockey because his older brother did.  

“I played ice hockey when I was about six years of age,” he smiles.  

Maybe it didn’t have the collisions he thrives on now, but it added something to his movement and balance. 

And when he’s asked whether this was always the dream? 

“For the most part, I never really thought I'd be able to be here one day. So, I’m just grateful for the opportunity at the end of the day.” 

Here's a young man who’s grown up in our community, shaped by our pathways, and is on the eve of stepping onto the field for the Crusaders for the very first time.  

Kick-off is 7.05pm on Saturday 14 March. 

Tickets are still available here.