In a twist that's sure to ruffle some feathers in the rugby world, Ethan Blackadder, the stalwart All Blacks and Crusaders loose forward, has decided to stick with New Zealand Rugby and the Christchurch crusaders, extending his contract until 2026. This decision comes hot on the heels of his puzzling omission from the All Blacks squad, handpicked by none other than head coach Scott Robertson, for the upcoming skirmishes against France.
Blackadder, a key player in the Crusaders’ latest Super Rugby Pacific championship win, was conspicuously absent from Robertson’s 33-man lineup, despite a standout performance in the nail-biting 16-12 final against the Chiefs last month. His commitment to the Crusaders, amidst this apparent snub, speaks volumes of his loyalty and love for the team. "I’m sticking round for one more and I’m absolutely rapt. There’s no other team I’d rather be playing for; I just love the Crusaders," declared an enthusiastic Blackadder.
"We’ve got a real brotherhood here and we’re all very close friends, I’m stoked,"
Apart from his undeniable prowess on the field, Blackadder has also faced his fair share of challenges, notably a string of injuries that have limited his international appearances to just 14 since his debut against Tonga in 2021. Yet, his resilience and performance at the club level have not gone unnoticed, earning him accolades such as the Crusaders Player of the Year and the title of Champion Crusader of the Year in 2022, along with the vice-captaincy for their victorious 2025 season.
The rugged forward didn't mince words about what it means to be part of such a storied team. "It’s hard to sum it up, but it means so much to be a part of this team. What the team’s done previously, the history behind it and the legacy that’s there and the players who have worn the jersey before you – it’s a rich history and to be continuing that and enjoying it along the way is really special," he reflected.
Despite the Crusaders' brief hiccup in 2024, failing to make the playoffs, the team bounced back under Blackadder’s leadership. "It was such an enjoyable campaign – it had a bit of everything. It wasn’t perfect by any means, but we ended up putting ourselves in a position to win it and we managed to do so; it was a campaign I’ll never forget," he added, underlining the highs and lows of the season.
Blackadder’s continued allegiance to the Crusaders and New Zealand Rugby, especially in the face of recent setbacks, not only highlights his character but also solidifies his role as a cornerstone of the team as they look to build on their legacy. Meanwhile, the All Blacks’ selection saga continues to stir debate among fans and pundits alike.
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In a twist that's sure to ruffle some feathers in the rugby world, Ethan Blackadder, the stalwart All Blacks and Crusaders loose forward, has decided to stick with New Zealand Rugby and the Christchurch crusaders, extending his contract until 2026. This decision comes hot on the heels of his puzzling omission from the All Blacks squad, handpicked by none other than head coach Scott Robertson, for the upcoming skirmishes against France.
Blackadder, a key player in the Crusaders’ latest Super Rugby Pacific championship win, was conspicuously absent from Robertson’s 33-man lineup, despite a standout performance in the nail-biting 16-12 final against the Chiefs last month. His commitment to the Crusaders, amidst this apparent snub, speaks volumes of his loyalty and love for the team. "I’m sticking round for one more and I’m absolutely rapt. There’s no other team I’d rather be playing for; I just love the Crusaders," declared an enthusiastic Blackadder.
"We’ve got a real brotherhood here and we’re all very close friends, I’m stoked,"
Apart from his undeniable prowess on the field, Blackadder has also faced his fair share of challenges, notably a string of injuries that have limited his international appearances to just 14 since his debut against Tonga in 2021. Yet, his resilience and performance at the club level have not gone unnoticed, earning him accolades such as the Crusaders Player of the Year and the title of Champion Crusader of the Year in 2022, along with the vice-captaincy for their victorious 2025 season.
The rugged forward didn't mince words about what it means to be part of such a storied team. "It’s hard to sum it up, but it means so much to be a part of this team. What the team’s done previously, the history behind it and the legacy that’s there and the players who have worn the jersey before you – it’s a rich history and to be continuing that and enjoying it along the way is really special," he reflected.
Despite the Crusaders' brief hiccup in 2024, failing to make the playoffs, the team bounced back under Blackadder’s leadership. "It was such an enjoyable campaign – it had a bit of everything. It wasn’t perfect by any means, but we ended up putting ourselves in a position to win it and we managed to do so; it was a campaign I’ll never forget," he added, underlining the highs and lows of the season.
Blackadder’s continued allegiance to the Crusaders and New Zealand Rugby, especially in the face of recent setbacks, not only highlights his character but also solidifies his role as a cornerstone of the team as they look to build on their legacy. Meanwhile, the All Blacks’ selection saga continues to stir debate among fans and pundits alike.