The Crusaders have appointed a back as their captain for the first time in the franchise’s 30-year history.
Midfielder David Havili replaces All Blacks skipper Scott Barrett in the role.
Havili has made 128 appearances for the Crusaders since his 2015 debut, was named vice-captain in 2020 and has long been part of their leadership group.
The 30-year-old has led the side on several occasions over the years when Barrett was unavailable for selection and captained the Tasman Makos to victory in the 2019 and 2020 NPC.
“We’ve already seen Davey prove himself in this role over the last couple of years, he’s a man that cares deeply about the team and their way forward,” said head coach Rob Penney. “He is going to be exceptional.”
“It’s very humbling,” said Havili. “I was pretty blown away when Penney approached me. This is certainly the proudest moment I have had for a while. The Crusaders are all about community, and I love this team.”
The Crusaders, who failed to make last year’s eight-team playoffs in Penney’s first season in charge, begin their 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign with a match against the Hurricanes in Christchurch on 14 February.
Previous Crusaders captains:
Richard Loe (1996)
Todd Blackadder (1997-2001)
Reuben Thorne (2002-2004)
Richie McCaw (2005-2012)
Kieran Read (2013-2016)
Sam Whitelock (2017-2019)
Scott Barrett (2020-2024)
Photo: Joe Allison/Getty Images