Ioane signing on for next Crusade?

been lured to Christchurch by new Crusaders coach Scott Robertson for next season’s Super Rugby competition. Robertson and Crusaders chief executive Hamish Riach, who is still on his way back to Christchurch from Johannesburg after the team’s quarterfinal loss to the Lions, were unavailable to comment.

Ioane, 31, earned 66 caps for the Queensland Reds between 2008-2013, and scored a try in the Reds’ 18-13 win over the Crusaders in the 2011 Super Rugby final.

t his best, the Wellington-born wing is a blockbusting runner with pace to burn. However, he has been dogged by knee injuries throughout his career and is on the wrong side of 30. But the Crusaders desperately need some punch out wide with Nadolo leaving the franchise for French club Montpellier.

Nadolo’s opposite, Johnny McNicholl, who had arguably his best season for the Crusaders this year, is also heading overseas. He left the Reds in 2013 and played for Stade Francais for two seasons.