Ethan Blackadder extends to 2026

Ethan Blackadder has re-signed with the Crusaders and New Zealand Rugby until 2026. 

"I'm sticking round for one more and I'm absolutely rapt. There's no other team I'd rather be playing for; I just love the Crusaders," says Blackadder.  

The 30-year-old says it wasn't a hard decision to extend his time in New Zealand and his contract with the red and black. 

"We've got a real brotherhood here and we're all very close friends, I'm stoked.” 

Since making his debut in 2018 as Crusader #220, Blackadder has achieved many milestones, including making his All Blacks debut in 2021, receiving Crusaders Player of the Year and Champion Crusader of the Year in 2022, and being named as vice-captain for the 2025 season.  

"It's hard to sum it up, but it means so much to be a part of this team. What the team's done previously, the history behind it and the legacy that's there and the players who have worn the jersey before you - it's a rich history and to be continuing that and enjoying it along the way is really special." 

The news of Blackadder’s re-signing follows another successful DHL Super Rugby campaign for the Crusaders. 

"It was such an enjoyable campaign – it had a bit of everything. It wasn't perfect by any means, but we ended up putting ourselves in a position to win it and we managed to do so; it was a campaign I'll never forget."