Crusaders sign Mako flanker
robert.vanroyen@stuff.co.nz
Sione Havili is the latest former Blues player to make the move south.
Only time will tell if the new Crusaders loose forward becomes yet another one they regret letting slip away, but the 21-year-old has one heck of an opportunity in front of him with long-time Crusaders No 7 Matt Todd no longer with the 10-times champions.
Havili, who debuted for the Blues against the Highlanders in 2018, was yesterday confirmed as one of 12 new contracted players in the Crusaders 2020 squad, which will be captained by Scott Barrett in Sam Whitelock’s absence (sabbatical).
‘‘I grew up in Auckland, always wanted to be a Blues player and I never thought I’d be here with the Crusaders,’’ Havili said at the team’s Rugby Park headquarters in Christchurch.
‘‘I can’t wait to play against them. A lot of my best mates are from Auckland and play for the Blues. So it’s an exciting time, I can’t wait.’’
Havili, who is no relation to Crusaders fullback David Havili, is fresh from helping Tasman win their maiden national provincial title.
He attended Auckland Grammar School for four years, and in 2016 represented the NZ Secondary Schools team, snaring the Golden Boot award for the country’s best player.
Havili represented Auckland in 2017, before being loaned out to Tasman in 2018. His season was cut short by injury, but coach Andrew Goodman, an assistant at the Crusaders, ensured he returned and was signed through 2021.
‘‘The boys from Tasman were telling me the environment the boys have here is no different to the Tasman environment, so hopefully it will make it a little easier for me,’’ Havili said.
‘‘I always heard a lot of good things about the Crusaders, down south is well known as hard working people, good people and work ethic as well.
‘‘So I want to be part of this environment and to learn off the best players in the country.’’
Havili, who played both No 8 and on the blindside flank at Auckland Grammar, is set to fight it out for time in the No 7 jersey with Billy Harmon and Tom Christie.
Indeed, it’s a far cry from the days of Richie Mccaw and Todd, who made a gamehigh 15 tackles in the Crusaders’ 19-3 win against the Jaguares in July’s Super Rugby final.
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson will be well aware Todd, who played nine seasons for the red and blacks, won’t be replaced overnight.
Harmon made four appearances (three starts) in 2019, while Christie joins Havili as a new squad member.
Cantabrian Christie, a former NZ under20s captain, does have the benefit of having trained with the Crusaders last season, which he calls ‘‘massive’’.
Like Havili, Christie is just 21-years-old. Harmon, a St Bede’s College product, is 24 and is coming off an impressive NPC campaign for Canterbury.
‘‘To be here at this age is a massive opportunity,’’ Christie said.
‘‘If I can take that, my dream is to stay with this franchise for a long time and embed myself here.
‘‘ I’ve got an opportunity to do that now, it’s only up to me if I take it or not.
‘‘It’s a great jersey to get your hands on, so hopefully one day I will be able to chuck it on and reflect on a couple of players who have worn it before.’’