Crusaders launch Academy Apprentice Programme to strengthen off-field pathways for young athletes
The Crusaders have today launched the Crusaders Academy Apprentice Programme – a new initiative designed to help young Academy athletes in Christchurch and Nelson build meaningful off-field skills, gain real-world work experience, and earn casual or part‑time income while they continue their study or pursue their professional rugby goals.
The programme focuses on developing practical career pathways alongside rugby development. It recognises that life beyond the game matters just as much as the work done on the field, and that early exposure to workplaces, trades, and tertiary‑aligned opportunities can set players up for long‑term success.
Through the Crusaders’ wide partner network, athletes will be matched with work placements that align with their skills, ambitions, or areas of study.
Crusaders Academy Manager Paul Galland says the Apprentice Programme reflects the evolving needs of young athletes.
“We’re preparing our players not just for rugby, but for life. This programme helps our athletes develop confidence, responsibility and independence, while also supporting them financially as they pursue their goals,” says Galland.
A cornerstone of the programme is the support of four key commercial partners: Coolabah Capital Investments, BCITO, John Jones Steel and Naylor Love. Their investment includes targeted scholarships for athletes who’ve been identified as having the greatest need.
The first BCITO Scholarship recipients for 2026 have been confirmed: Maloni Kunawave (Crusaders squad member) along with Academy players Charlie Sullivan and Finn McLeod. Each will receive support to help them balance on‑the‑job training with their rugby development. Additional scholarships will be confirmed and announced later this year as the programme continues to grow.
“The backing of our commercial partners is critical,” says Galland.
“Their support allows us to remove barriers and provide genuine opportunities for athletes who may otherwise struggle to balance study, work and rugby.”
Nikita Hall, General Manager of People Development at the New Zealand Rugby Players’ Association, applauds the initiative and the impact it will have on player wellbeing and growth.
“We commend the Crusaders for their innovation and commitment to creating these opportunities, and for continuing to invest in players as people first,” says Hall.
“Initiatives like this empower experiences that support players’ growth beyond the field, allowing them to develop skills, explore future pathways and deepen their connections within the communities they are proud to represent. It’s fantastic that our Personal Development Managers in the Crusaders region can empower this initiative through their work alongside players, supported by a culture across the Crusaders organisation that values personal development.”
Christopher Joye, Chief Investment Officer at Coolabah Capital Investment, says the programme delivers long‑lasting benefits that matter deeply in the development of young athletes.
“What stood out to us was the focus on real outcomes,” says Joye. “By combining financial support, work experience and personal development, this programme creates opportunities that extend well beyond the rugby field and into long‑term careers.”
Paddy Kymbrekos, General Manager Marketing and Growth at BCITO, says the partnership fits naturally with BCITO’s commitment to supporting New Zealand’s future workforce.
“This programme is a great example of how industry, education and sport can work together to create meaningful pathways,” says Kymbrekos.
“We know how important hands‑on experience is for young people pursuing trades and supporting these athletes to gain practical skills while they train and study will set them up for long‑term success both within and beyond rugby.”
Frank van Schaijik, Managing Director of John Jones Steel, says supporting young people is central to the company’s values and to their long‑standing relationship with the Crusaders.
“At John Jones Steel, we believe in backing people early and giving them opportunities to grow,” says van Schaijik.
“This programme helps young athletes develop skills, work ethic and resilience that will serve them for life, and we’re proud to support an initiative that looks after the whole person.”
Graeme Earl, Regional Director at Naylor Love, says the Apprentice Programme reflects the shared values of opportunity, community and long‑term development.
“This is about giving young people a genuine chance to build strong futures. The Crusaders have always been leaders on and off the field, and we’re proud to play a role in supporting athletes as they develop skills that will benefit them, their families and their communities,” says Earl.
The Apprentice Programme is another step in our commitment to growing great people as well as great rugby players, and we can’t wait to see the impact these young athletes make on and off the field.