Team Naming: Drummond Named for 150th Crusaders Appearance

21 May 2025

This Friday night will be full of some special milestones, while we also celebrate a special meaning of the game for Men's Mental Health Round.

Mitch Drummond will make is 150th appearance for the Crusaders when he runs out on Friday night against the Highlanders, starting at halfback.

"When the team was named, the boys really got around me. It's been a special week so far and I'm really looking forward to Friday," says Drummond.

"150 games was a goal I set myself at the start of the year and I knew it was reachable," he says.

Head Coach Rob Penney says Drummond epitomises what a Crusader man is.

"He's team first, his work ethic is second to none and his ability to get people connected is admirable. It's an honour and a privilege to provide the opportunity for him to get out in front of his family and the fans and play his 150th game," Penney says.

"It's a unique club he's in – 100 provincial games and 150 Crusader caps, he deserves all the accolades that will be piled onto him over the next few days."

Drummond will start alongside Rivez Reihana at 10.

Macca Springer is back in the mix on the left wing with Sevu on the right wing.

Captain David Havili will start at centre alongside Braydon Ennor, and Johnny McNicholl will be at fullback after a standout man of the match performance last week against the Waratahs.

In the forwards, George Bower will start at loosehead, alongside Codie Taylor at hooker and Tamaiti Williams at tighthead.

Scott Barrett is back in the mix alongside Jamie Hannah at lock.

"Scott is like a young kid in a lolly shop, his energy this week has been unreal," says Penney.

Cullen Grace and Tom Christie will again take the starting flanker positions this week, and Christian Lio-Willie will start at Number 8.

Dallas McLeod is eyeing up his 50th Crusaders appearance from the bench, and Lewis Ponini is set to make his debut off the bench and become Crusader #300.

"The Highlanders are a quality group, and they haven't had the results they would have liked this season, that won't mean they'll turn up here any less motivated to do a job on us on Friday," Penney says.

Kick-off is 7.05pm on Friday 23 May at Apollo Projects Stadium.

Tickets are available here.

Crusaders team to face the Highlanders: