Crusaders Invites 38 Fans to Reveal 2027 Super Rugby Squad
Chief executive Colin Mansbridge said the event was designed to involve supporters who have deep personal connections to the team.
By Benjamin Bernard ·
The Crusaders selected 38 fans to help announce their 2027 Super Rugby Pacific roster at One New Zealand Stadium on Wednesday. The event brought players and staff together with supporters chosen for their specific ties to the club. The organization asked the public to nominate fans with inspiring stories to take part in the unveiling.
Two young attendees, Ava Lyall and Zara Lamperd, were invited to name players on stage. Colin Mansbridge, the club's chief executive, stated that the initiative aims to engage people who love the team. He noted that the passion supporters hold for the Crusaders is a key part of the club's identity.
Tracey Lyall, Ava's mother, nominated her for the event. Lyall described her nine-year-old daughter as a young girl who has shown remarkable courage and strength. Ava was diagnosed with bone cancer and underwent chemotherapy, long hospital stays, and a leg amputation. Despite these challenges, she continues to compete in wheelchair basketball and was named most valuable player for her team at the recent Halberg Games.
James Lamperd, Zara's father, shared a story from when Zara was six years old. She ran onto the field at Apollo Projects Stadium for a curtainraiser match. A collision during that game left her with a bloody face and missing two front teeth. Lamperd said the club's support crew helped turn that frightening moment into a positive memory for her daughter.
The full 2027 squad includes props Tamaiti Williams, Finlay Brewis, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Seb Calder, Feleti Sae-Ta'ufou, and Clement Castets. Hookers Codie Taylor, Manumaua Letiu, and George Bell round out the forward pack. Locks Liam Jack, Tahlor Cahill, Jamie Hannah, and Scott Barrett join the loose forwards group.
The back row features Xavier Saifoloi, Ethan Blackadder, Dominic Gardiner, Xavier Treacy, Christian Lio-Willie, Finn McLeod, Oli Mathis, and Johnny Lee. Halfbacks Kyle Preston, Noah Hotham, and Mitchell Drummond are named in the backline. First five selections include Rivez Reihana, James White, and Richie Mo'unga.
Midfielders Jake Te Hiwi, Corey Evans, Toby Bell, Cooper Roberts, and Leicester Fainga'anuku are part of the group. Outside backs include Johnny McNicholl, Kurtis MacDonald, Macca Springer, Maloni Kunawave, Chay Fihaki, and Will Jordan. Clement Castets is a replacement player for Tamaiti Williams and will stay with the team until Williams is selectable. Several players marked with an asterisk are signing their first full contracts with the Crusaders.
Source: The Star
