George Bower Extends to 2027

Experienced prop George Bower is staying on board with the Crusaders for another two seasons and has re-signed through to 2027. 

The 32-year-old became Crusader #233 when he debuted in 2019 and has since gone onto play 81 games for the red and black and 22 Tests for the All Blacks.  

"I'm pretty stoked to be staying on board with the Crusaders," says Bower.  

"A huge driving factor for me re-signing was the way the Crusaders have made me feel since I've been here from day one. It's part of me now, it's part of my DNA and being able to come to work every day with great people is a huge force that's kept me here," he says.  

With 19 matches to play until he reaches 100 caps, the prospect of becoming a Crusaders Centurion was another big driving force for Bower to stay. 

"You see the centurions on the wall every day and it rubs off on you. I want to be on that wall too; I want to follow in the footsteps of some of the great Crusaders and that was a huge reason why I wanted to stay on as well – because I'm getting closer to 100 caps and it'll be pretty special to reach that milestone." 

Head Coach Rob Penney is thrilled to have Bower stay for another two years. 

"George is an outstanding individual that contributes to every area of the game for us. We're seeing continued development in George's rugby and believe the best is yet to come for him," says Penney.