Crusaders deal with midfield exodus as Richie Mo’unga headlines 2027 squad

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The Scott Hansen era is underway at the Crusaders, and his arrival has coincided with a major return of one of Super Rugby’s most influential talents and a generational change in the midfield.

Ex Pacific Ocean prop Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou has been snapped up by the club after a promising start to his Super Rugby career in Albany. Top 14 and Champions Cup winner Clément Castets has joined the squad as injury cover for Tamaiti Williams, who has been sidelined since March with a back injury and faces an uncertain return.

There are no changes to the second row or whore selection, but the loose forwards have been shaken up. Xavier Treacy, Oli Mathis and Johnny Lee were all promoted from the wider practice squad to the top team, while 19-year-old Finn McLeod took a direct route to the big leagues, with two years in New Zealand The U20 side is already under his belt. McLeod is the grandson of legendary All Black Alex ‘Grizz’ Wyllie.

Mitchell Drummond returned to the team after spending the 2026 season in the extended practice squad, replacing new Edinburgh signed by Louis Chapman. The big news is obviously at No.10, where Richie Mo’unga returns after three seasons in Japan. The star playmaker left New Zealand with seven Super Rugby titles in his eight-year spell Crusaders career.

The most dramatic change in the team, however, is in the midfield, where there is a trio All black people suddenly they ended their crusading careers. The club needs a new captain, with David Havili heading to Japan, while Dallas McLeod and Braydon Ennor are heading to Europe. In their place come Northland’s Corey Evans and Otago’s Jake Te Hiwi, while Cooper Roberts makes his way into the squad from the wider training group. Toby Bell will be hoping to add to his 12 minutes of game time for the Crusaders, while Leicester Fainga’anuku, interestingly, was also named in the midfield squad just a day after being selected as loose forward for the All Blacks.

“We are all really excited about our team and what we can achieve together. There is a lot of talent throughout the group, but just as importantly there are good people who care deeply about this club and what it stands for,” said Hansen.

“We have a great mix of experience, guys who have been successful here before, and a mix of younger players who will be hungry for their opportunity. The challenge now is to put that together.”

“We have a lot to look forward to in 2027 and a lot of work to do; we want our people to feel part of what we’re building and proud to be on that journey with us.”

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