Norm Maxwell has been inducted into the Crusaders Hall of Fame, bestowed the honour at the club’s Hall of Fame Charity Lunch 2024.
An absolute singularity in the world of rugby, Maxwell brought his own brand of humanity to the ceremony at Te Pae Christchurch on Friday 24 May.
From belting out a karaoke classic in front of more than 700 people, to sharing stories of on-field prowess and off-field shenanigans, Maxwell easily took the cake for most memorable inductee so far.
“It’s tough to be singled out among such an amazing group of people" - Norm Maxwell
“It’s a team sport, it’s a whole ecosystem that needs to work for you to play the game, so in that respect, honoured yes, but I’m just one visible part of the bigger group.”
Maxwell debuted as Crusader #21 in 1996 versus the Reds at Ballymore Stadium in Brisbane. He was a 19-year-old rookie from Northland and quickly became known for his physicality on the field, his strength in the maul and his robust defensive play. He earned the nickname ‘the Janitor’ for good reason.
He debuted for the All Blacks in 1999 versus Samoa, and went on to play 36 tests.
Maxwell held a 71 per cent win rate throughout his Crusaders career, hanging up his playing boots in April 2005 after earning 75 caps for the club.
“One of the nicest sensations for me was defending on our line and I felt like the home crowd was behind us, willing us on to stop the opposition. Just that feeling of connection, of something bigger than yourself – for me that was one of the nicest experiences,” he said.
Off the field he’s celebrated for his humility and generosity, his dedication to developing young players and leaving a lasting legacy on the rugby community. He praised the current state of the club he started his career with.
“Rugby is one thing, but doing the stuff the Crusaders do off the field, that’s the future. Immensely proud to be a Crusader and of what they’re beginning,” he said.
“So yeah, definitely an honour.”
