The Crusaders have locked down one of their key players, Braydon Ennor, with the seasoned All Blacks utility back signing a fresh contract extension with both the Christchurch-based squad and New Zealand Rugby. At 28, the Auckland-born Ennor has spent a decade honing his skills with the Crusaders, starting from their academy days back in 2015. His journey has been marred by injuries but highlighted by multiple Super Rugby titles and a pivotal role in New Zealand’s triumph at the World Rugby U20 Championship in 2017.
Ennor, who has racked up 76 appearances for the Crusaders and donned the All Blacks jersey in nine tests, expressed his deep connection to the region.
"I moved down here when I was 18, straight out of school. I’ve done all my growing as a man here; this is home for me now,"
he shared. His commitment to the team is palpable, as he enjoys the daily grind at Rugby Park. Reflecting on his career, Ennor noted the swift passage of time, a sentiment often echoed by the more experienced. "It does go quickly because it’s so enjoyable," he added, appreciating his dual capability to play both centre and wing.The move to Christchurch was a major decision for Ennor, coinciding with the city's recovery from the devastating 2011 earthquakes. "Being able to come down here and see first-hand how the city has fought its way back to life and now they’re the shining light of New Zealand, it’s a pretty cool place to be part of," he said, highlighting the resilience and allure of Christchurch.
Despite his roots in Auckland, Ennor has fully embraced his life in Christchurch, celebrating not just the big victories but the small, personal achievements along the way. "We’ve had a lot of success and that’s been awesome, but it’s been the little wins along the way. They’ve been the most enjoyable," he remarked. The competition for starting positions remains fierce, but Ennor relishes the challenge.