16 All Blacks named in Crusaders 2027 DHL Super Rugby Pacific squad
Sixteen All Blacks headline the Crusaders’ squad for the 2027 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season, with returning first-five Richie Mo’unga among the familiar faces preparing for a new chapter under head coach Scott Hansen.
Mo’unga joins a strong international contingent that includes Scott Barrett, Codie Taylor, Will Jordan and Leicester Fainga’anuku, alongside a group of emerging players earning their first full contracts.
Hansen takes charge after previously serving as a Crusaders assistant coach between 2020 and 2023. Crusader #25, his connection to the club stretches back to the inaugural Super 12 season in 1996.
“We are all really excited about our squad and what we can all achieve together. There’s a lot of talent throughout the group, but just as importantly there are good people who care deeply about this club and what it represents,” Hansen said.
Mo’unga’s return adds significant experience to a first-five group featuring Rivez Reihana and James White, while all three halfbacks — Kyle Preston, Noah Hotham and Mitchell Drummond — have represented the All Blacks.
Drummond returns to the main squad after spending the 2026 season in the Wider Training Group, providing another experienced option alongside Preston and Hotham.
Up front, All Blacks props Tamaiti Williams, George Bower and Fletcher Newell are joined by Finlay Brewis, Seb Calder and new signing Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou.
French prop Clément Castets has also been named as a replacement for Williams and will remain with the squad until Williams is selectable.
Watch: HIGHLIGHTS | Crusaders v Blues | Qualifying Final, 2026
Taylor and George Bell bring All Blacks experience to the hooker group alongside Manumaua Letiu, while Barrett and Jamie Hannah feature at lock with Tahlor Cahill and Liam Jack.
Hannah and outside back Chay Fihaki are among the squad’s more recent All Blacks, adding to the international experience available to Hansen.
In the loose forwards, Ethan Blackadder and Christian Lio-Willie return alongside Dominic Gardiner and Xavier Saifoloi.
New signing Finn McLeod strengthens the group, while Xavier Treacy, Oli Mathis and Johnny Lee have earned full contracts after impressing in the 2026 Wider Training Group.
Hansen said bringing together the established players and those pushing for their first opportunities would be a central focus.
“We’ve got a great mix of experience, guys who have been successful here before, and a blend of younger players who will be hungry for their opportunity. Our challenge now is to bring that together.”
Watch: HIGHLIGHTS | Crusaders v Highlanders | Round 5, 2026
Fainga’anuku is named in the midfield, where new signings Jake Te Hiwi and Corey Evans join Toby Bell and Cooper Roberts. Roberts is another player promoted from the 2026 Wider Training Group.
Jordan and Fihaki lead an outside-back group that also features Johnny McNicholl, Macca Springer, Maloni Kunawave and new signing Kurtis MacDonald.
With a new captain still to be named, the squad announcement marks another step towards Hansen’s first season in charge.
“There’s a lot to look forward to in 2027 and a lot of work to do, we want our people to feel part of what we’re building and proud to come on that journey with us.”
Watch: Crusaders Legend | Dan Carter
Crusaders squad for 2027 DHL Super Rugby Pacific
All Blacks are shown in bold.
Props: Tamaiti Williams, Finlay Brewis, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Seb Calder, Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou*, Clément Castets**.
Hookers: Codie Taylor, Manumaua Letiu, George Bell.
Locks: Liam Jack, Tahlor Cahill, Jamie Hannah, Scott Barrett.
Loose forwards: Xavier Saifoloi, Ethan Blackadder, Dominic Gardiner, Xavier Treacy*, Christian Lio-Willie, Finn McLeod*, Oli Mathis*, Johnny Lee*.
Halfbacks: Kyle Preston, Noah Hotham, Mitchell Drummond.
First-fives: Rivez Reihana, James White, Richie Mo’unga.
Midfielders: Jake Te Hiwi*, Corey Evans*, Toby Bell, Cooper Roberts*, Leicester Fainga’anuku.
Outside backs: Johnny McNicholl, Kurtis MacDonald*, Macca Springer, Maloni Kunawave, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan.
*First full Crusaders contract.
**Clément Castets is a replacement player for Tamaiti Williams and will remain with the Crusaders until Williams is selectable.
