Bulk of Crusaders, except Todd, re-sign

Locking Matt Todd into a new deal will be one of the biggest priorities for the Crusaders as they map-out strategies for 2019.

Openside flanker Todd, called into the All Blacks as injury cover this week after originally being overlooked for the squad for the French series, will be a free agent at the end of this year if he doesn’t recommit to New Zealand Rugby or the Crusaders. Although the selectors’ decision to name Ardie Savea as the backup No. 7 to Sam Cane when the All Blacks squad was named on May 20 wasn’t great news for Todd, who has played 13 tests, it seems likely he will not pursue any offshore deals just yet and continue to play Super Rugby next year.

Given he has remained loyal to New Zealand Rugby since his test debut in 2013, having stuck around despite Richie McCaw and Cane being the preferred starters at openside, Todd will probably want to add one more year to his existing deal to give himself a chance of being selected for the World Cup in Japan next year.

He accentuated his value to the Crusaders in the last two rounds when, in the absence of skipper Sam Whitelock and co-vice captain Ryan Crotty, he led a team decimated by injuries and suspensions to victories over the Hurricanes and Chiefs to ensure the team remained at the top of the competition table. The Crusaders roster for 2019 is already heaving with All Blacks, including Kieran Read, Owen Franks, Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Scott Barrett, Jordan Taufua, Richie Mo’unga, Jack Goodhue, Israel Dagg, David Havili, Whitelock and Crotty.

“We have got the 2019 World Cup coming up and a few guys have to make decisions around that – after playing [in the tournament] – and who is the next person to come in,” Crusaders coach Scott Robertson said.-