BCITO and Crusaders formalise partnership to strengthen player development and trade training pathways
The Crusaders have today confirmed a new formal partnership with BCITO, strengthening a shared commitment to supporting player development, education and trade training alongside professional rugby ambitions.
As part of this partnership, BCITO will play a key role in the Crusaders Academy Apprentice Programme. The organisation will help young athletes access structured trade pathways, hands‑on work experience and financial support as they move through the Academy and push toward professional rugby.
A major milestone in the partnership is the announcement of the 2026 BCITO Scholarship recipients: Crusaders squad member Maloni Kunawave, along with Academy athletes Charlie Sullivan and Finn McLeod. Each will receive targeted support to help them balance on‑the‑job training with their rugby development, ensuring they can continue to grow both on and off the field.
Crusaders Personal Development Manager Jonelle Quane says formalising the partnership builds on several years of shared purpose.
“BCITO have been a strong supporter of our players for a number of years, and formalising this partnership allows us to take that work to the next level. Through the Academy Apprentice Programme, BCITO will help provide meaningful trade pathways and real‑world experience for our athletes, which is critical as they balance study, training and the demands of professional rugby,” Quane says.
“As players move through our system, many are already engaged in tertiary study or trade training through our RPA and Crusaders personal development initiatives. This partnership adds real value by ensuring players are not only gaining qualifications, but also practical experience that helps prepare them for life beyond rugby.”
BCITO General Manager of Marketing and Growth, Paddy Kymbrekos, says the partnership reflects BCITO’s commitment to building strong employment pathways for all New Zealanders.
“We’re proud to partner with the Crusaders to support the next generation of athletes as they develop trade skills alongside their sporting careers,” says Kymbrekos.
“The Academy Apprentice Programme creates a powerful link between education, employment and high‑performance sport, and the BCITO scholarships will help remove barriers for players who are committed to building long‑term careers.”
Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge says the partnership underlines the club’s long‑standing focus on developing the whole person.
“We care deeply about developing our players both on and off the field,” says Mansbridge.
“A formal partnership with BCITO strengthens our ability to support athletes as people, not just as rugby players. Trade training and education are an important part of that journey, and this partnership will have a lasting impact on our players and their futures.”
Mansbridge says the Crusaders are excited about growing the relationship over the coming seasons.
“BCITO share our values and our commitment to long‑term outcomes. We see this partnership continuing to evolve, delivering real benefits for our players and the wider community,” says Mansbridge.
The BCITO partnership will be fully integrated into the Crusaders Academy Apprentice Programme from 2026, supporting athletes across Christchurch and Nelson as they prepare for life during and beyond rugby.