Former All Blacks centre Ryan Crotty has returned to the Crusaders for the 2024 season after spending three season with the Kubota Spears in the Japan Rugby League One competition.
Crotty was persuaded to head back to Christchurch due to family commitments and rugby connections.
Crotty says he has so much love for the Crusaders and it is hard to put it in to words how much it means to him.
He says he had a really great experience in Japan but he felt like it was time to return home.
Crotty was spotted training with the Crusaders late in the '23 season, and fronted for Canterbury 2023 Bunnings NPC, playing nine matches towards the side's finals berth.
He says Christchurch and the Crusaders are home for him and he is just excited to reconnect with some special friends.
Crusaders head coach Rob Penney says Crotty was a great pro and legend of the club who will undoubtedly play an important part in the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Penny says Crotty’s knowledge, experience and passion for Crusaders is boundless.
He says Crotty has been a cornerstone of this place for a long time, helped to form the culture we have here, and is a leader both on and off the field.
The 2024 Super Rugby season will kick off on the 23rd of February 2024.
Source: RNZ
