Crusaders Lock in 38-Player Roster for 2027 Campaign

Scott Hansen has finalized the 38-man roster for the Crusaders' 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season. The announcement confirms a team structure that pairs established veterans with a wave of new signings. Hansen, who previously served as an assistant coach at the club from 2020 to 2023, assumes the head coaching role for the upcoming campaign.

The forward pack represents a core focus for the new management. Props Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell, George Bower, Finlay Brewis, Seb Calder, and new arrival Feleti Sae-Ta'Ufo'ou form the primary group. French prop Clement Castets joins the squad as a replacement player. He will remain with the team until Williams becomes selectable again. At hooker, Codie Taylor leads a unit that includes George Bell and Manumaua Letiu.

The locking group is anchored by Scott Barrett. He is joined by Jamie Hannah, Tahlor Cahill, and Liam Jack. Hansen indicated that the loose forward position offers strong depth. Ethan Blackadder, Dominic Gardiner, Christian Lio-Willie, and Xavier Saifoloi are joined by new signing Finn McLeod. Three players, Xavier Treacy, Oli Mathis, and Johnny Lee, have earned full contracts for 2027.

Halfback options include Noah Hotham and Kyle Preston. Mitchell Drummond returns to the main squad after spending the 2026 season in the Wider Training Group. The first-five group features the return of Richie Mo'unga. He joins Rivez Reihana and James White in the No 10 role.

The midfield sees new signings Jake Te Hiwi and Corey Evans added to the roster. They will play alongside Leicester Fainga'anuku and Toby Bell. Cooper Roberts has also received a call-up from the Wider Training Group. The outside backline includes All Blacks players Will Jordan and Chay Fihaki. They are joined by Johnny McNicholl, Macca Springer, Maloni Kunawave, and Kurtis MacDonald.

Hansen, who wore the number 25 jersey during his playing career, has maintained a connection to the club since the inaugural Super 12 season in 1996. His return to Christchurch marks the start of his first stint as head coach. He emphasized the balance of experience and youthful energy within the group.

Hansen stated that the squad contains a mix of successful veterans and hungry young players. He noted that the challenge now is to integrate these elements effectively. He expressed a desire for the players to feel part of the building process and to take pride in the journey ahead.

The club has not yet named a new captain for the 2027 season. The roster includes seven players marked with an asterisk, indicating they are signing their first full contracts with the Crusaders. Clement Castets is listed with a double asterisk to denote his status as a replacement player.

The team will begin preparations for the new season in the coming months. Hansen aims to bring the group together to assess their collective potential. The 38-man squad represents the final selection for the upcoming campaign.