FIJIAN DRUA TEAM NAMING: One final farewell at Apollo Projects Stadium and three major milestones

01 Apr 2026

Crusaders Head Coach Rob Penney and his assistants have named the side for this week’s game against the Fijian Drua, and they know Friday night will be about more than just what unfolds on the field.

With the team preparing for the final ever game at Apollo Projects Stadium, milestones to celebrate and a potential debut on the horizon, Penney says it’s a week that carries real meaning inside the group.

For Codie Taylor, the timing couldn’t be more fitting. The hooker will run out for his 150th Crusaders appearance at the ground he’s called home since his debut.

“I’ve had quite a few milestone games at the stadium, and it’s the only stadium I know that I’ve called home from my debut right until this point.”

Apollo Projects Stadium has played a significant role in both the club’s history and the wider city’s story, something Taylor reflects on with pride and gratitude.

“I see it as a place that was created to give hope to our city and our region.I was part of the wider squad when the earthquake hit, and I was part of that tough time the city went through. We travelled for every game that season, and then eventually we got a home ground.

“It became a place to bring hope and unify the city in a way. Rugby has done that down here. It’s a place we love to play at. It’s home.”

Head Coach Rob Penney says Codie is the very essence of this place.

“There are a number of men you’d point to who epitomise what it means to be a Crusader, and Codie’s one of those.

“150 games for the Crusaders, over 100 test matches. What a career. And he’s still got a wee way to go. It’s been such an honour to be part of that journey with him.”

Those emotions were also front of mind when prop Jack Sexton was named on the bench and given the chance to earn his first Crusaders cap, following in the footsteps of his father Matt, who also represented the club.

“Those occasions are massive,” Penney says.

“I can imagine how his mum and dad feel, because I had a lot of time with his dad. It’s great – another father and son representing the Crusaders. It’s a wonderful tribute to everybody.”

There are a few key shifts across the match‑day 23 as the Crusaders manage injuries and welcome players back at the right time of the season.

In the loose forwards, Corey Kellow moves into the starting side at blindside flanker following a calf injury to Ethan Blackadder. Kellow now gets another opportunity to start alongside Johnny Lee and Christian Lio‑Willie who is lining up for his 50th Crusaders game.

“It’s pretty special and to share this milestone with Codie, who is a legend of the Crusaders, and to close off Apollo Projects Stadium the right way, hopefully we do well,” Christian says.

There’s a welcome boost in the backline with Taha Kemara returning from injury to start at first five. Kemara partners with Noah Hotham, while Rivez Reihana is also back after injury and provides valuable cover from the bench.

At the back, Will Jordan will captain the side this week with David Havili still unavailable.

Jordan lines up at fullback in a familiar back three that also includes Sevu Reece and Chay Fihaki, and the midfield pairing of Dallas McLeod and Leicester Fainga’anuku.

On the bench, Louie Chapman shifts into the reserve halfback role after Kyle Preston picked up a knee injury. Chapman joins a balanced replacement group that includes Braydon Ennor and Dom Gardiner, who continues his return after an early‑season injury setback.

Up front, George Bower and Fletcher Newell anchor the starting front row alongside Codie Taylor. Antonio Shalfoon and Jamie Hannah combine in the locking duo as the Crusaders look to set a strong platform against a physical Drua side.

All of it unfolds against the backdrop of Apollo Projects Stadium’s farewell, a ground that has shaped the club and the city through some of its most challenging and successful years.

“There will definitely be some emotion,” Penney says.

“The best thing we can do is honour it and honour the fans by playing well. That’s our goal.”

Crusaders team to face Fijian Drua:

1. George Bower

2. Codie Taylor (VC)

3. Fletcher Newell

4. Antonio Shalfoon

5. Jamie Hannah

6. Corey Kellow

7. Johnny Lee

8. Christian Lio‑Willie

9. Noah Hotham

10. Taha Kemara

11. Sevu Reece

12. Dallas McLeod

13. Leicester Fainga’anuku

14. Chay Fihaki

15. Will Jordan (C)

Reserves: 16. George Bell 17. Jack Sexton* 18. Seb Calder 19. Tahlor Cahill 20. Dom Gardiner 21. Louie Chapman 22. Rivez Reihana 23. Braydon Ennor

*Uncapped

Players unavailable for selection due to injury:

Cooper ROBERTS: Stress fracture (fibula), 1 week

Macca SPRINGER: Quad, 1 week

Johnny MCNICOLL: Hamstring, 1 week

David HAVILI: Heel, 2 weeks

Kyle PRESTON: Knee, 3-4 weeks

Liam JACK: Hamstring, 3-5 weeks

Ethan BLACKADDER, Calf, 4-6 weeks

Aki TUIVAILALA: Concussion, GRTP (Graduated Return to Play)

Cullen GRACE: Knee, Unclear

James WHITE: Shoulder, out for the season