Chay Fihaki has committed to play his rugby with Crusaders and Canterbury until 2026. A versatile back, Fihaki had a standout 2024 season, starting in 12 of the 14 games he played in Super Rugby Pacific.
The 23-year-old was also selected to play for the Barbarians against Fiji at Twickenham in June and will front for Canterbury through the 2024 Bunnings Warehouse NPC.
After considerable time at fullback for the Crusaders, and more than capable on the wing and in the midfield, he’s become a mainstay in the starting backline.
“I’m very pleased to continue my playing career with the Crusaders,” Fihaki said.
“This club means so much to me and my family, it’s a special place. To play with this group around me, and with great support from coaches and team management, I’m excited to see where we can get to together over the next few seasons.
“It’s also pretty cool to think ahead to playing at One New Zealand Stadium.”
Fihaki debuted for the Crusaders in 2021. He laid claim to the 15 jersey at the start of the 2024 season, scoring two tries in Round 1 versus the Chiefs – including a 30 metre runaway try. He started in both the Northern Tour away fixtures – at right wing versus Munster and at fullback versus Bristol.
Rob Penney, Crusaders Head Coach, said “we are collectively very excited to have Chay staying with his the red and black family through to the 2026 season”.
“His contribution both at fullback and wing across multiple teams in the last 12 months is a testament to his undoubted talent and his growing resilience.
“His future is very bright and we are excited to be able to continue to be part of Chay’s growing reputation.”
