Harry Inch played for the Crusaders during the Super Rugby pre-season but may be shifting to the NZ Warriors in 2026. Photo / John Davidson / www.photosport.nz
Harry Inch played for the Crusaders during the Super Rugby pre-season but may be shifting to the NZ Warriors in 2026. Photo / John Davidson / www.photosport.nz
One of New Zealand rugby’s brightest and most recognisable young talents has been linked to a code switch with the NZ Warriors in 2026 – leaving his home union “gutted”.
Gifted Tasman playmaker Harry Inch has long been regarded as a future star of the 15-man game from his timeat Nelson College where he earned national secondary school selection.
The 19-year-old had been signed to a multi-year contract with the Tasman Mako as well as the NZR development programme.
Harry Inch, seen playing for Nelson College, appears to be on the brink of swapping union for league. Photo / Kerry Marshall / www.photosport.nz
Tasman CEO Steve Mitchell told the Herald that Inch had “signalled his intent to go and play rugby league” and that everyone at the union was “gutted” to lose a local product like Inch. He also acknowledged that Tasman was a “stepping-stone union” and they’re “not here to stop kids” from following their dreams.
After gaining selection in the Crusaders development programme, Inch had some game time in pre-season, lining up outside veteran pivot James O’Connor against the Blues at Kirwee.
The Crusaders clearly saw huge potential in Inch, who had previously turned down the Warriors. Crusaders assistant coach James Marshall spoke at the start of the year about how pleased they were to have him.
“We had to fight pretty hard to keep him away from the Warriors, who offered him a pretty long-term deal up there. I was just stoked that we could get him in the environment because, man, I see a massive future for him,” said Crusaders assistant coach James Marshall in February.
Harry Inch in action for Nelson College against Hamilton Boys' High. Photo / Photosport
“He’s so tough. He’s just not afraid of anything. He’s a farmer, [with] farmer strength. He beats all the boys in the wrestles in the gym and he’s just a kid out of school,” said Marshall.
Inch was regarded by the Crusaders as a long-term prospect at either 10 or 12. It’s not clear yet where he would play in the 13-man code.
New Zealand Warriors head of recruitment Andrew McFadden told the Herald “there’s interest there” but “nothing’s been achieved”, suggesting the move is yet to be finalised.
Reported to be joining Inch in the code switch is his long-time teammate Saumaki Saumaki. The powerful loose forward is thought to be taking his talents to South Sydney next season, joining the Rabbitohs. Saumaki and Inch were in Nelson College’s First XV that finished runners-up to Hamilton Boys’ High School in the 2024 Top Four final. They were both selected for NZ Secondary Schools last year and both turned out for High School Old Boys in the Christchurch club competition in 2025 and the Crusaders U20s.
Harrison Inch (holding trophy) and Saumaki Saumaki (right), two of the standout players for Nelson College in 2024. Photo / JDW Photography
Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge says the franchise is “disappointed not to retain them” and “wish them all the best” with their futures.
Management for both players has been approached for comment.
Mike Thorpe is a senior multimedia journalist for the Herald, based in Christchurch. He has been a broadcast journalist across television and radio for 20 years and joined the Herald in August 2024.
