All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor is set to take an extended break after the 2023 World Cup, planning to join the Crusaders for the tail end of the 2024 Super Rugby season. The veteran forward, who started in the World Cup final against South Africa, will return to the Crusaders around round 10 in late April. Crusaders coach Rob Penney acknowledges Taylor’s decade-long contribution to the team, emphasizing the importance of granting him a well-deserved break.
The defending champions, Canterbury Crusaders, have made key additions to their squad for the upcoming season, including Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny and former All Blacks center Ryan Crotty. Halfpenny, who retired from international rugby after his final appearance for Wales, is described as a “very exciting addition” by Coach Penney. The Crusaders, aiming for an eighth straight Super Rugby title, will be led by Penney, who takes over from Scott Robertson.
Scott Barrett will captain the Crusaders, succeeding All Blacks teammates Sam Whitelock, Richie Mo’unga, and Leicester Fainga’anuku, who have signed with overseas clubs. The squad faces the challenge of filling the void left by these experienced players, with Taylor’s return anticipated to strengthen the team ahead of the playoffs.
In the broader Super Rugby Pacific landscape, other notable player movements include All Blacks prop Angus Ta’avao rejoining the Auckland Blues, former Wales fly-half Rhys Patchell joining the Otago Highlanders, and New Zealand-born England loose forward Brad Shields returning to the Wellington Hurricanes after a stint in Europe. The squad announcements showcase various transfers and additions across all 12 Super Rugby Pacific teams, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive season.
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