Selected from across the Crusaders region, 29 players have been selected to represent the 2023 Crusaders Development XV Squad. As a franchise we put enormous effort into nurturing pathways for young players to find a way into professional rugby, and this squad is a fantastic platform for the growth of the game.
The team will take on the Highlanders Bravehearts and the Hurricanes Hunters in a three-weekend competiton to give the country’s most promising talent a chance to test their skills and represent their region.
- 25 February vs Highlanders Bravehearts, Pleasant Point Rugby Club
- 3 March vs Hurricanes Hunters, Rugby League Park, Wellington
- 11 March vs Highlanders Bravehearts, Pleasant Point Rugby Club
Marty Burke, Crusaders Development Squad Head Coach, said the squad represented the breadth and depth of talent that existed in the region.
“This side is a great representation of the sporting talent we have across our region, and it’s just awesome to give these guys the opportunity to represent their home and showcase their ability,” Burke said.
Team to play Highlanders Bravehearts, Saturday 25 February at Pleasant Point Rugby Club.
Kick off 12.30pm
Position, Name
15 Chay Fihaki
14 Wil Gualter
13 Jone Rova
12 Alex Harford (C)
11 Melani Nani
10 Taha Kemara
9 Noah Hotham
8 Sione Havili Talitui
7 Corey Kellow
6 Dominic Gardiner
5 Tumama Tu’ulua
4 Jamie Hannah
3 Seb Calder
2 James Mullan
1 Jack Sexton
Subs
16 Nick Hyde
17 Tom Heywood
18 Kershawl Sykes-Martin
19 Caleb Aprehama
20 Fletcher Anderson
21 Louie Chapman
22 Kynan Stowers-Smith
23 Blair Murray
24 Joe Brial
Full 2023 Crusaders Development XV squad:
PLAYER, Club, Province
1. Adam Williamson, Southern, Mid Canterbury
2. Alex Harford, High School Old Boys, Canterbury
3. Blair Murray, University of Canterbury, Canterbury
4. Braden Stewart, Central, Tasman
5. Brian Lealiifano, Lincoln University, Canterbury
6. Caleb Aprehama, Sydenham, Canterbury
7. Conor Anderson, Celtic South, Canterbury
8. Fletcher Anderson, University of Canterbury, Tasman
9. George Methvern, Marist Albion, Buller
10. Graham Urquhart, Wanderers, Tasman
11. Nick Hyde, Glenmark-Cheviot, Canterbury
12. Jack Gray, Wanderers, Tasman
13. Jack Sexton, Lincoln University, Canterbury
14. James Mullan, Sydenham, Canterbury
15. Jamie Hannah, Lincoln University, Canterbury
16. Joe Brial, Lincoln University, Canterbury
17. Joel Lam, Burnside, Canterbury
18. Jone Rova, Lincoln University, Canterbury
19. Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Nelson, Tasman
20. Kynan Stowers Smith, Shirley, Canterbury
21. Louie Chapman, Kahurangi, Tasman
22. Matt Graham-Williams, Stoke, Tasman
23. Monu Moli, Wanderers, Tasman
24. Quentin MacDonald, Central, Tasman
25. Taine Robinson, Stoke, Tasman
26. Tom Heywood, University, Canterbury
27. Tumama Tu'ulua, Sydenham, Canterbury
28. Wil Gualter, Christchurch, Tasman
29. Zach McKay, Christchurch, South Canterbury
TEAM MANAGEMENT
Marty Bourke Head Coach
Gray Cornelius Assistant Coach
Nigel Walsh Assistant Coach
Tim Bateman Assistant Coach
Shaun Curry Strength & Conditioning Coach
Stu Hunter Team Manager
Tim Ryley Logistics Manager
Neil Tucker Physiotherapist
Richie Marsden Physiotherapist
Nic Redwood Analyst
Kathrine Grellman Team Doctor