George Bell commits to 2028

 George Bell has re-signed with the Crusaders and New Zealand Rugby through to 2028.  

“First and foremost, I just love this team, the organisation and what it stands for. I really enjoy coming in each day and I’ve got a lot of good mates in this team so that definitely contributed,” says Bell on his decision to extend his contract.  

Bell made his Crusaders debut in 2022 and got his first Super Rugby points with a try on the same night.  

Later that year, the 23-year-old hooker made his NZ U20 debut, scoring five tries across three games. He was selected for the All Blacks in 2024, scoring a try on debut.  

“For my development as a rugby player, the Crusaders is the place where I want to be, learning off some of the best.” 

One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha is another exciting opportunity in Bell’s future in the red and black.  

“It’s going to be unreal when that is open next year. 16,000 at Apollo Projects Stadium made plenty of noise, so I’m pretty excited to see what 30,000 people can do. The location is pretty special too, what it will do for our city is going to be amazing, people will really get around us.” 

Growing up in East Otago, the prospect of playing for the red and black definitely wasn’t on Crusader #265’s radar. 

“I grew up disliking the Crusaders quite a bit to be honest. But once you’re in here and you see what it’s about and you experience the environment, it’s pretty easy to switch sides. 

“I just love being able to see my mates every day and go to work with them each day, I’m really grateful to be able to do that.”