Crusaders Rugby Roster Better As Leicester Fainga'anuku Returns From France
Crusaders Rugby Roster Better As Leicester Fainga'anuku Returns From France
Here's a complete Crusaders roster for 2026, highlighting Leicester Fainga’anuku and the championship Super Rugby Pacific squad.
The Crusaders approach the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season with a roster that blends championship experience and internal development, a balance that has defined their sustained success.
The return of All Black Leicester Fainga’anuku, who was playing with Toulon of the Top 14, adds further strength to a midfield group already anchored by David Havili, while multiple academy graduates step into expanded roles within the squad.
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That emphasis on continuity was evident throughout the 2025 campaign, when the Crusaders combined depth across the roster with selective reinforcement, rather than broad change. The playing group’s ability to absorb rotation and still perform at a title-winning level underscored the effectiveness of the club’s long-standing development model.
Heading into 2026, the Crusaders again move forward under head coach Rob Penney, with Havili continuing as captain.
Based in Christchurch at Apollo Projects Stadium, the roster reflects a side shaped by internal promotion, stability and an expectation that championship standards are maintained regardless of turnover.
Crusaders Rugby Roster 2026
The Crusaders roster emphasizes continuity and internal growth, highlighted by the return of Leicester Fainga’anuku and multiple academy graduates stepping into full-time roles ahead of the 2026 season.
- Prop: Finlay Brewis, Fletcher Newell, George Bower, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Seb Calder, Tamaiti Williams
- Hooker: Codie Taylor, George Bell, Manumaua Letiu
- Lock: Antonio Shalfoon, Jamie Hannah, Liam Jack, Scott Barrett, Tahlor Cahill
- Back Row: Dominic Gardiner, Christian Lio-Willie, Corey Kellow, Cullen Grace, Ethan Blackadder, Xavier Saifoloi
- Halfback: Kyle Preston, Louie Chapman, Noah Hotham
- Fly-Halves: James White, Rivez Reihana, Taha Kemara
- Midfield: Aki Tuivailala, Braydon Ennor, Dallas McLeod, David Havili, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Toby Bell
- Outside Backs: Chay Fihaki, Johnny McNicoll, Macca Springer, Maloni Kunawave, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan
Crusaders Super Rugby Schedule 2026
- Feb. 13: 1:05 a.m.: Highlanders vs. Crusaders
- Feb. 21: 9:35 p.m.: Crusaders vs. ACT Brumbies
- Feb. 28: 1:05 a.m.: Chiefs vs. Crusaders
- March 7: 1:05 a.m.: Blues vs. Crusaders
- March 14: 2:05 a.m.: Crusaders vs. Highlanders
- March 21: 2:05 a.m.: Moana Pasifika vs. Crusaders
- April 3: 2:05 a.m.: Crusaders vs. Fijian Drua
- April 11: 5:35 a.m.: Queensland Reds vs. Crusaders
- April 18: 7:55 a.m.: Western Force vs. Crusaders
- April 24: 3:35 a.m.: Crusaders vs. NSW Waratahs
- May 1: 3:05 a.m.: Hurricanes vs. Crusaders
- May 8: 3:05 a.m.: Crusaders vs. Blues
- May 22: 3:05 a.m.: Crusaders vs. Chiefs
- May 29: 3:05 a.m.: Crusaders vs. Hurricanes
What Did Crusaders Do In 2025?
The Crusaders finished second in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific standings with an 11-3 record and 49 points. They advanced through the postseason and captured the championship, closing the season as Super Rugby Pacific champions.
The Crusaders Coach Is Rob Penney
Rob Penney is the head coach of the Crusaders, leading the Christchurch-based side into the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.
When Does The Super Rugby Pacific Season Start?
The 30th season of Super Rugby begins with Round 1 on Feb. 13, with the first game being in Dunedin between the Highlanders and Crusaders at 1:05 a.m. ET.
Watch The Super Rugby Pacific 2025 Archives On FloRugby
Rewatch every match of the 2025 Super Rugby season on FloRugby and the FloSports app.
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