Crusaders 2026

[Chris B.]

@Chris Good props are hard to find.

Brewis just needs to stay fit!

You've listed Tuivailala in the squad above?

[Grooter]

@Chris-B Nic Shearer has to be in consideration Chris, clever 9 good on both sides of the ball, has a running game, very good pass and has helped the 18 yr old outside him at the Stags feel right at home.

[BellsGeorg]

@Grooter the reshuffle in the 9s for Canterbury this season looks to be a sign that they'd prefer Chapman to take that third spot at the Crusaders over Shearer. Shearer is a live wire, and has had a good start to the season, but Chapman is probably a better fit for the 3rd halfback spot.

Shearer is definitely going to latch on to a Wider Training Group somewhere, though.

[Chris]

@Chris-B said in Crusaders 2026:

@Chris Good props are hard to find.

Brewis just needs to stay fit!

You've listed Tuivailala in the squad above?

oops I think he is there but not 100% I should have put a ?
Not convinced on James White.

[Chris]

@BellsGeorg said in Crusaders 2026:

@Grooter the reshuffle in the 9s for Canterbury this season looks to be a sign that they'd prefer Chapman to take that third spot at the Crusaders over Shearer. Shearer is a live wire, and has had a good start to the season, but Chapman is probably a better fit for the 3rd halfback spot.

Shearer is definitely going to latch on to a Wider Training Group somewhere, though.

Chapman is the Fav for that position.

[zedsdeadbaby]

I’ve heard similar - Drummond unlikely to be back, unless there’s an injury crisis. Finished with 150 appearances and has business interests. Nothing left to prove.

[Fredsaua12]

I have heard Drummond has been offered a WTG contract which he has taken. By all accounts, Chapman has the third halfback spot

[Fredsaua12]

I also was informed that there are a few back ended deals where younger players are signed for multiple years meaning that there are no new Crusaders contracts available until 2027? Unsure the accuracy around this, but would mean that the Saders have to pay players out to move them on

[Chris]

@Fredsaua12 said in Crusaders 2026:

I also was informed that there are a few back ended deals where younger players are signed for multiple years meaning that there are no new Crusaders contracts available until 2027? Unsure the accuracy around this, but would mean that the Saders have to pay players out to move them on

There were 6 full contracts available to replace the leaving players of course
Christie
O'Connor,
Moananu
Strange
Amua
and Drummonds spot as he was at end of contract.

[zedsdeadbaby]

@Fredsaua12 said in Crusaders 2026:

I have heard Drummond has been offered a WTG contract which he has taken. By all accounts, Chapman has the third halfback spot

Your info more up to date than mine