Huge night ahead for two new Crusaders

Rivez Reihana and Levi Aumua have been named to take the field in Hamilton this Friday, with both men excited to pull on the red and black jersey for the first time.

Speaking about the moment he heard he’d be playing number 10, Reihana said he “just blacked out”.

 “A real proud moment for my family and myself,” he said.”

After the team announcement, applause filled the room for the debutants along with pats on the back of congratulations.

“It’s a real good feeling,” Aumua said.

No strangers to Super Rugby with Reihana joining the Chiefs in 2021 and Aumua previously signed with the Chiefs, Blues and Pasifika, both men have praised what the Crusaders culture has provided them.

“I’ve got all the resources here to really improve my game and develop as a player on and off the field,” Aumua said.

 “I’m feeling pretty tight with the team too.”

“The Crusaders aren’t just talking about culture, they’re living and breathing it every day”, Reihana said.

“One word to me that stands out is ‘care.’ I’ve heard that close to a million times already; you can definitely feel it throughout the environment from the top down to the bottom, there’s a genuine care factor in this team.”

Head Coach Rob Penney commended Reihana’s attitude during preseason, saying “he’s grasped it with both hands over the last ten days or so and really lead the group well, so we’re excited about what he’s going to provide us at ten”.

With preseason officially over, Reihana is keen to get to the field wishing he could fast forward to game day.

“Crusaders have always been the bench mark, so I’m truly grateful to be in this position at the moment.”