Ethan Blackadder

Ethan Blackadder is back for his third season with the Crusaders in 2020, however he is currently rehabbing a shoulder injury he sustained during the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup campaign. 

Blackadder, son of the former Crusaders player, captain and Head Coach Todd Blackadder, hails from North Canterbury originally but has attended high school at Nelson College and lived up there since. He was called into the Tasman provincial team after a stellar club season where he co-lead Nelson to the Nelson Bays championship title. He became a regular starter for Tasman in 2017 as they made their way to the Premiership Final and in 2019, Blackadder helped the side secure their first provincial title despite having to sit out the Final. 

Blackadder's ability to play at lock as well as loose forward provides useful versatility, and there is plenty of upside yet for this rising star.