Kershawl Sykes-Martin has picked up his first full-time contract with the Crusaders.
The 25-year-old prop was part of the Crusaders wider training group in 2024 after making his debut in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season. He played 30 minutes in the heat of Lautoka against the Fijian Drua in Round 3 and earned 10 caps across the ’23 and ’24 season.
He will now wear the Crusaders jersey until 2026, meaning he will get the chance to run out One New Zealand Stadium when it opens in 2026 – our new central city home.
Sykes-Martin, who plies his Bunnings NPC trade for Tasman Makos, said he was “stoked” to continue his journey with the team.
“The opportunity to play for the Crusaders for the next couple of years is something I’ve been working hard for, chipping away at,” he said.
He described the culture within the Crusaders as “unreal”.
“I’m excited to get back down there, be with the boys, and rip into another season.”
Rob Penney, Crusaders Head Coach, said he was “very pleased to have locked Kershawl in for the next few seasons, he has been an eager worker for the team”.
“It’s exciting to see the next generation of talent coming through, especially in the front row where we pride ourselves on our strength and consistency.”