Ethan Blackadder has re-signed with the Crusaders and New Zealand Rugby until 2026, despite missing out on the All Blacks squad to face France.
The 30-year-old said it was an easy decision to put pen to paper, ensuring he’ll get the chance to run out on Christchurch’s new Te KahaStadium next year.
“I’m sticking round for one more and I’m absolutely rapt,” said Blackadder. “There’s no other team I’d rather be playing for.
“I just love the Crusaders. We’ve got a real brotherhood here and we’re all very close friends, I’m stoked.”
Speaking to Newstalk ZB’s Jason Pine on Sunday, All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson said Blackadder was unavailable for selection when looking to replace injured loose forward Wallace Sititi in the squad. Blackadder was not initially listed among players unavailable for selection when the squad was announced.
With Sititi ruled out, Dalton Papali’i was called into the squad.
Ethan Blackadder in action against for the All Blacks against Fiji. Photo / Photosport
“Both are genuine options. Both are experienced as well. Ethan was unavailable medically. We had that conversation with him, so it was Dalton’s opportunity to come in,” Robertson said.
“We know Ethan and how much output he puts into the game. He ticks the character box, there’s no doubt about that. He’s a hell of a man so there are some tough calls there.”
Since making his test debut in 2021, Blackadder has only amassed 14 tests, in large part because of injuries.
It’s also taken six years to bring up 50 matches for the Crusaders, but Blackadder says playing for the red and blacks means everything to him.
“It’s hard to sum it up, but it means so much to be a part of this team,” said Blackadder.
“What the team’s done previously, the history behind it and the legacy that’s there and the players who have worn the jersey before you - it’s a rich history and to be continuing that and enjoying it along the way is really special.”
A host of players have recently re-signed with New Zealand Rugby, including Crusaders captain David Havili, Blues winger Caleb Clarke, Hurricanes midfielder Billy Proctor and Chiefs loose forward Wallace Sititi.
The All Blacks will name their team to face France on Thursday, ahead of Saturday’s first test in Dunedin.
Meanwhile, Levi Aumua’s time at the Crusaders appears over with the centre signing for Yokohama in Japan’s Rugby League One competition, where he will be coached by Leon MacDonald.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.
