Promising front rower Seb Calder has picked up his first full-time contract with the Crusaders.
The 22-year-old debuted for the Crusaders in 2022 against the Western Force in Perth, coming off the bench to play nearly 40 minutes at tighthead prop. He’s earned a total of 13 caps and been part of two championship-winning squads.
He’s contracted for at least two seasons, through to 2026, meaning he will run out in the colours at One New Zealand Stadium once it opens – the Crusaders new central city home stadium.
“It’s pretty special to sign with the Crusaders, growing up here my whole life it’s the only thing I know,” he said.
“I called my parents straight away to let them know – they were pretty happy for me.”
The Christchurch local proved himself through the Crusaders Academy, and has provided excellent injury cover across the 2023 and 2024 season.
The same year Seb debuted in the red and black, he played for the All Blacks Under 20s, winning the Oceania Championship alongside fellow Crusaders George Bell, Jamie Hannah and Macca Springer.
Not just a powerhouse on the field, Seb set an age-group rowing world record in 2007, rowing 2000m in 6 minutes 25 seconds. A year later he made the decision to focus on rugby.
“It was getting a bit hard to keep the weight on, especially in my position, with rowing you need to slim down quite a bit,” he said.
Rob Penney, Crusaders Head Coach, said Seb was a “fantastic asset to the team”.
“Seb has been a fantastic asset to the team over the past few years, and his hard work has been rewarded,” Penney said.
“We are all excited about the contribution that Seb will make to the Crusaders and we look forward to seeing his influence on and off the field.”
We can’t wait to see Seb continue to bring his skill and strength to the team in 2025.
Check out the highlights from Seb Calder's first game against the Force back in 2022
