Johnny McNicholl Returning to the Crusaders

The Crusaders are pleased to announce the return of Johnny McNicholl to the club for the remainder of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Crusader #165 has played in Wales for the Scarlets since 2016 after earning 39 caps for the Cruasders following a 2014 debut, running in tries as both fullback and winger. The 33-year-old played his club rugby for Sydenham and fronted 60 times for Canterbury.

He played more than 120 games for the Scarlets – many alongside new Crusader Leigh Halfpenny – and was called up to play for Wales on 10 occasions, earning his first cap against France in the 2020 Six Nations. For the Scarlets, he scored 57 tries in 130 appearances.

“I’m really looking forward to running out in front of the home crowd again, I didn’t think I’d  get that opportunity again so yeah, it’s pretty special,” McNicholl said.

“It’s also great for me and my family to be coming back home after a decent stint overseas.”

Rob Penney, Crusaders Head Coach, said he was “thrilled to welcome Johnny back”. He’ll provide cover while Will Jordan is sideline for the season following shoulder surgery in February.

“Johnny’s a top-notch operator with proven experience and like any good fullback, he has the potential to produce magic from anywhere on the field,” Penney said.

“We’re looking forward to seeing him back in the colours in 2024.”