Straight off the back of a title-winning NPC season, Kyle Preston is pumped to join the Crusaders for Super Rugby Pacific 2025. It's his first Super Rugby contract, one of eight new signings for the club this season.
Preston will make his Super Rugby debut after playing for the Wellington Lions the last two NPC seasons where he was often described as a try scoring machine, declared second equal for most tries scored during the 2024 NPC season.
The 25-year-old halfback joined the Crusaders for a week of training earlier in the year and reveled in the welcoming atmosphere from players and staff.
"Coming down, and not knowing what to expect - I loved it," Preston said.
"They look after you really well, even just little things like my first day I got my poster up with my name on it on my changing room locker. That goes a long way for someone who is new to the environment”.
Crusaders coaching staff kept a keen eye on Preston throughout his time in the NPC, and clearly made a good impression. Halfway through the season he got the call inviting him to make Christchurch and Rugby Park his new home.
“Obviously I was super excited. I called Mum and Dad first, and they were super stoked for me. Sad that I was leaving my hometown, but they’ll support me wherever my rugby journey will take me.
“I think just to be full time in Super Rugby and get an opportunity to express myself and learn from all the boys down there, the coaching down there, it will be a good opportunity to grow as a player and person, and to be out of my comfort zone in a new city because I’ve never lived out of Wellington”.
So, what can we expect to see from Preston wearing the Red and Black jersey? “I’m going to always be myself and express myself on the field wherever I can. And hopefully get a few more meat pies”.
Preston will make the move down south later this month, ready to prepare for the first preseason game against the Blues, on 31 January at Kirwee Rugby Club.
