Two more years under the roof for Kyle Preston
Crusaders halfback Kyle Preston is making Christchurch his home away from home and has extended his contract with the Crusaders through to 2027.
"It's a special place down here and it definitely looks like somewhere to be my home in the future for sure,” says Preston.
A born and bred Wellingtonian, Preston first burst onto the professional rugby scene in 2023 with the Wellington Lions.
The 25-year-old caught the eye of Crusaders selectors and made his way down south for the 2025 season. During pre-season, he set a Crusaders bronco record (a fitness test measuring endurance and speed) of 4 minutes and 13 seconds.
He made his debut in the red and black earlier than he may have expected – taking the field as injury replacement in the eighth minute of round one to become Crusader #293.
"This season has been pretty surreal; coming down here at the start of the year not expecting much, to then starting like it did and being offered another couple of years is pretty special.
"Ending the season with a championship was pretty cool, I don't have a word to sum it up, but the whole season has been pretty awesome."
Preston says there's no other Super Rugby team he'd rather play for.
"For this club to show the love they have for me is pretty special. The care this club has for the people that are involved with it; I can't see myself playing anywhere else.
"The willingness and the drive for everyone to learn every day, get better and just that winning championship mindset – it's second to none here, it's just engrained in everyone."
As Preston looks ahead to the next two seasons in red and black, his commitment to the Crusaders runs deeper than just rugby.
"Every day here is a chance to get better,” he says.
"I want to honour the jersey, the history, and the people who've built this club into what it is. This team has done some special things in the past and it's a goal for that to continue to happen.
"For me, it's continuing to get better every day, sharpening the tools in my toolbox and growing as a person off the field as well."