The Crusaders have named 36 players from within the Crusaders region to play in a four-game series starting this Saturday 27 February, as part of the Crusaders 2021 Development Programme. 

The programme will be led by current Canterbury coaches Mark Brown and Reuben Thorne, and they will be joined by Crusaders International Academy Manager Grant Keenan, and Crusaders Coach Assistant Tamati Ellison.  The team will managed by Stu Hunter.

Both Mark Brown and Reuben Thorne commented that the Development programme is an important step on the player pathway for these  young players.

"This is an outstanding opportunity for players to gain valuable knowledge and learn from a wealth of experience within the Crusaders setup.  They get to rub shoulders will players in the 2021 Crusaders squad, which is a massive opportunity" Commented Brown

"It is also a great chance for local fans to get out and support emerging talent in our region, and for rugby clubs to get behind the players they have involved in the programme". Added Thorne

The programme will consist of development players and members of the Crusaders wider training group, Acadmey and provincial unions.

The opening match of the campaign is against the Highlanders Bravehearts this Saturday at Pleasant Point in South Canterbury.  Kick-off for this match is 1.30pm.

Crusaders Development XV vs Highlanders Bravehearts

1. Kershawl Sykes-Martin (Tasman)

2. Shilo Klein (Canterbury)

3. Tamaiti Williams (Crusaders)

4. Caleb Aperehama (Canterbury)

5. Will Tucker (Canterbury)

6. Liam Allen (Canterbury)

7. Brendon O'Connor (Crusaders)

8. Tania Fox-Matamua (Tasman)

9. Ere Enari (Crusaders)

10. Brett Cameron (Crusaders)

11. Fletcher Morgan (Canterbury)

12. Taine Robinson (Tasman)

13. Tahu Kaa (Canterbury)

14. Cam Bailey (Canterbury)

15. Dan Fransen (Canterbury)

Reserves

16. Sam Moli (Tasman)

17. Matt Graham-Williams (Tasman)

18. Sam Matenga (Tasman)

19. Max Hicks (Tasman)

20. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta (Tasman)

21. Mitch Gibson (Canterbury)

22. Luke Donaldson (Canterbury)

23. Alex Harford (Canterbury)

24. Gibson Popoalii (Canterbury)

25. Josh Corrigan (Canterbury)