A strong re-Newell: Crusaders lock in prop star power through to 2028

The Crusaders and New Zealand Rugby have secured the future of one of their most powerful players, with promising prop Fletcher Newell re-signing through to 2028.  

“I'm extremely grateful to re-sign with the Crusaders, it's a team I grew up watching as a young kid. I've played rugby for as long as I can remember and would come to the games when I was a wee one,” says Newell.  

“I just love this team, and I wouldn't want to be with anyone else.” 

The thing that keeps the 25-year-old coming back every day is the people.  

“We've got an amazing culture here at the Crusaders; not just the players, but all the management and back-room staff. You turn up every day, everyone wants to work hard for each other, which is one of my values that we all share. I just love coming in every day and working with these guys,” he says.  

Born and raised in North Canterbury, Newell joined the Crusaders Academy in 2018 whilst studying towards a Bachelor of Commerce.  

He became Crusader #248 in 2021, something he says means a lot to him and his family. 

“We're here to represent the whole of the Crusaders region. There's a lot of people who would love to put on the Crusaders jersey, and we're so lucky that we're able to do it every week. 

“It means the world to me. Growing up wanting to be a Crusader and now being one, I'm just extremely grateful.” 

Newell made his All Blacks debut in 2022 and has just achieved 25 caps in the black jersey. 

Chris Lendrum, NZR General Manager Professional Rugby & Performance says “Fletcher is a young man with a bright future and his success so far is a mark of both his talent and dedication to his craft as he’s moved through the high-performance system from the New Zealand U20s in 2019 through the All Blacks.  

“We look forward to watching his continued development and progression in coming seasons.”