Louie Chapman will leave the Crusaders at the end of the 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific Season to join Edinburgh Rugby on a two-year deal.
The 25-year-old halfback will move to Scotland following the 2026 NPC campaign, through his grandmother’s heritage, while closing a chapter with his home region.
Born and raised in Canterbury, Chapman described the move as an exciting new challenge after achieving his goal of playing in the red and black jersey.
Chapman’s pathway to professional rugby was rooted in Christchurch, where he served as Head Boy and captained the Christchurch Boys’ High School First XV.
He represented the NZ Schools Barbarians in 2017 before progressing through the Crusaders Junior Knights and the Crusaders Development squad, and made his Super Rugby debut against the Hurricanes in 2023.
Aside from his time with the Crusaders, Chapman played 40 games for the Tasman Mako and made 11 appearances for Canterbury during their championship-winning 2025 season.
His move to Edinburgh carries personal significance as he is eligible to represent Scotland through his grandmother.
Chapman said the strong family connection made the opportunity special and he hoped to make his family proud.
Crusaders Head Coach Rob Penney praised Chapman as a loyal servant to the club who gave everything to the team.
Chapman will remain with the Crusaders for the rest of the 2026 season before heading overseas.
The 25-year-old is Edinburgh’s third new signing announced within a week, following the signing of Hurricanes centre Riley Higgins on a three-year deal and Scotland U20 back Geordie Gwynn, who joins from Ealing Trailfinders.
The Crusaders, who are in fourth place, will face second place the Hurricanes at 7.05pm Friday.
In other matches, the Waratahs will face the Force at 9.35pm Friday, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will host the Highlanders at 4pm Saturday, Moana Pasifika will face the Blues at 7.05pm, while the Reds play the Brumbies at 9.35pm.
Source: Stuff.co.nz
