‘Crockzilla’ open for business
Wyatt Crockett has already started preparing for the rugby afterlife.
The loosehead prop has purchased a sporting goods store in Nelson to keep him occupied when he stops working as a professional player, and if he feels compelled to add a dash of colour to his new purchase he shouldn’t lack rugby memorabilia to tack to the walls.
In addition to making 71 test appearances for the All Blacks, the last was against Wales in Cardiff last year, he will play his 200th Super Rugby game when the Crusaders meet the Highlanders in Christchurch tomorrow night.
‘‘I have got some plans, the family has already started moving up to Nelson – Jenna and the boys are up there and I will moving up there after the season to play for Tasman,’’ Crockett said in reference to mapping out his future.
Hence why he has splashed out on a Stirling Sports store and although he may not be around to wander the aisles on Saturday afternoons next winter – he plans to play in the local club rugby competition – he anticipated he would enjoy the change of occupation.
‘‘I have been wearing a fair bit of sports gear over the past few years, so it will be a good chance to sell some now.’’
To mark his 200th appearance the Crusaders’ home ground at Addington will be labelled Wyatt Crockett Stadium, and the 35-year-old, who has been listed on the reserves bench, is expected to take the field in the second half.
This is the first time the Crusaders have bestowed such an honour on one of their players. Crockett, known as ‘Crockzilla’ and a popular member of the club since his debut in 2006, admitted he was surprised by the idea. After being sighted trying to bust some dance moves at the end of training – as demanded from from his teammates – he said he appreciated the club’s efforts.
‘‘I found out on Monday afternoon and I was like ‘oh, OK’. I didn’t really know how to take it, but it is just a really cool gesture,’’ he said. ‘‘It just shows how much the Crusaders care about their players. I will probably take some memorabilia from that and show the grandkids.’’
To play 200 Super Rugby games for one team is a major achievement; especially when it is for a team that always has a target on its back, because everyone, even the minnows, want to scalp of the most successful team in the comp.
‘‘When I think back to when I first started, as a lot of people always say, I was lucky to probably get one game,’’ Crockett said. ‘‘To be here all this time later is very special. I am very grateful to the Crusaders who have been very loyal to me.’’