Crusaders announce raft of re-signings for 2016

Ryan Crotty. Photo / Getty

The Crusaders have re-signed a number of players who were set to come off contract at the end of this season, including All Black Ryan Crotty.

Crotty, a versatile midfielder, has signed until the end of 2017, which follows the retention of All Black prop Wyatt Crockett that was announced earlier this week.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder said both players would play an important role in next year's side as two of the senior members of the squad.

Joining Crockett and the already-contracted Owen Franks at prop again next season will be Tim Perry. Perry has had a frustrating season on the sidelines after sustaining an injury in the 2014 ITM Cup semifinal, however Blackadder said he would be ready to make an impact in 2016.

Codie Taylor, who has impressed at hooker this year, will also return in 2016, as will young lock Scott Barrett who was catapulted into the starting line-up at just 21 where he held his own alongside All Black locks Sam Whitelock and Luke Romano this season.
Experienced halfback Andy Ellis and youngster Mitchell Drummond will continue to compete for the No 9 jersey next year.

Dynamic outside back Robbie Fruean will return in 2016; Fruean had his season cut short by a fractured arm sustained in the third round, but made an impressive return from injury to assist in recent wins over the Hurricanes and Blues.

The Crusaders have also announced that three players in this year's wider training group will be promoted to the full squad next year - utility back David Havili, five-eighth/fullback Richie Mo'unga and loose forward Jed Brown.

Blackadder said Havili had been one of the most impressive players for the Crusaders this season, while Mo'unga is bound to have the opportunity to make his mark in 2016 with experienced first-fives Dan Carter, Colin Slade, Tom Taylor and Tyler Bleyendaal all playing offshore.

The Crusaders' final game of the season is against the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday, with Kieran Read returning from concussion to start at No8.

Sam Whitelock also returns to the starting line-up after coming off the bench in the 34-11 win over the Blues.

Slade has recovered from his quadriceps injury to take a spot on the bench.

The Crusaders to play the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday, kick-off 5.30pm is: Tom Taylor, Jone Macilai, Ryan Crotty, David Havili, Nemani Nadolo, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read (c), Richie McCaw, Matt Todd, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Ben Funnell, Alex Hodgman, Nepo Laulala, Jimmy Tupou, Jordan Taufua, Billy Guyton, Colin Slade, Nafi Tuitavake.