A Christmas present only few will ever receive, Jamie Hannah extended his contract in December to remain with the Crusaders until 2028!
The 22 year old spoke at length with his family before signing on the dotted line, but admits it was a fairly easy decision to make, “we talked about what was right for me, but it didn’t take long to come to the conclusion that staying here is the best option. This is the only Super Rugby team I want to be playing for. It was a pretty easy decision to be fair”.
Sticking around in Christchurch was important to the Canterbury born and bred lock, who grew up idolising those on the field he now runs alongside, “I have looked up to the Crusaders my whole childhood” said Hannah, “growing up watching them, and now actually being here in the team, it’s something I always thought would be cool but I never thought it would happen”.
Hannah grew through the ranks of the Crusaders Academy and made his debut in 2023, which he says is still the highlight of his time in the jersey so far, “the debut is pretty hard to beat. I had all my friends and family there” said Hannah, “it was a home game as well, so that was awesome”.
Head Coach, Rob Penney is thrilled that Hannah has extended his term with the side, “We’re really pleased to have Jamie extended through to 2028” said Penney, “he’s developed tremendously within the organisation over the last few years and I’m looking forward to seeing him force his way into the playing side to unleash his undoubted potential.”
Standing at 200cm and aptly nicknamed ‘Stilts’ by his teammates, Hannah is looking forwards to the prospects of the 2025 season ahead, “I just love going into Rugby Park every day, we have a good bunch of boys in the team and I’m excited at the idea of continuing the legacy that’s already been laid down by players before me”.
