Crusaders 2019
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@Stargazer. here it is mate
[link text](link url)https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/after-year-tragedy-luke-and-hannah-romano-talk-life-has-turned-around
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@Chris Thanks for that. It wasn't quite the story I expected, I was looking for a sports programme, but good to hear him say that he thinks he's still "got a few good years" in him as a rugby player. That was exactly why I wanted to hear the interview; I wondered whether he'd say something about retiring or continuing to play.
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@Chris I bet the accusations of whitewashing will soon appear on (social) media. Some people just want to see heads roll, whether people are guilty or not. Never mind there's been a thorough investigation ...
It's a pity this news comes in the week before the Final.
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Crusaders stalwart Luke Romano didn't have to think too long or hard when presented with the opportunity to join the New Zealand player exodus offshore. While a chunk of his teammates will play their final game for the decorated franchise in Saturday's Super Rugby final against the Jaguares - including Ryan Crotty (Japan) and Jordan Taufua (England) - Romano is staunchly committed to ending his career as a Crusader. Off-contract at the end of the 2019 season, the former All Black lock has been presented with at least a couple of lucrative deals at European clubs over the past year, but has made it clear he has no interest in chasing a dollar abroad. "It just boils down to my passion," Romano told Newshub. "I grew up here in Christchurch, the Crusaders were the team that I looked up to, "I always wanted to play for the Crusaders and obviously I always wanted to be an All Black. "When you have a passion like that, that's what drives you to reach those goals. I don't have any drive to go play for another team on the other side of the world. "It just doesn’t float my boat, I guess.
The 33-test international has yet to commit to a new deal with the defending champions, but confirmed he has one on the table that he's hoping to finalise shortly. Romano says he has plenty of gas left in the tank and believes his veteran presence could be crucial next year, considering the amount of outgoing talent. "I still feel like I've got a couple of good years left in me, playing at this level here in NZ," Romano said. "With the experience the Crusaders are losing… it's quite crucial to have someone with a bit of experience in the group. "Hopefully, it all works out and you'll see me in the red-and-black again next year."
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@Stargazer said in Crusaders 2019:
Crusaders stalwart Luke Romano didn't have to think too long or hard when presented with the opportunity to join the New Zealand player exodus offshore. While a chunk of his teammates will play their final game for the decorated franchise in Saturday's Super Rugby final against the Jaguares - including Ryan Crotty (Japan) and Jordan Taufua (England) - Romano is staunchly committed to ending his career as a Crusader. Off-contract at the end of the 2019 season, the former All Black lock has been presented with at least a couple of lucrative deals at European clubs over the past year, but has made it clear he has no interest in chasing a dollar abroad. "It just boils down to my passion," Romano told Newshub. "I grew up here in Christchurch, the Crusaders were the team that I looked up to, "I always wanted to play for the Crusaders and obviously I always wanted to be an All Black. "When you have a passion like that, that's what drives you to reach those goals. I don't have any drive to go play for another team on the other side of the world. "It just doesn’t float my boat, I guess.
The 33-test international has yet to commit to a new deal with the defending champions, but confirmed he has one on the table that he's hoping to finalise shortly. Romano says he has plenty of gas left in the tank and believes his veteran presence could be crucial next year, considering the amount of outgoing talent. "I still feel like I've got a couple of good years left in me, playing at this level here in NZ," Romano said. "With the experience the Crusaders are losing… it's quite crucial to have someone with a bit of experience in the group. "Hopefully, it all works out and you'll see me in the red-and-black again next year."
What a legend
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Crusaders flanker Matt Todd said he was "gutted" Crotty wouldn't get a chance to don the red and black jersey one last time, something the 31-year-old might be about to do himself, as the red and blacks eye up a three-peat, and 10th title overall.
"Could well be. Hopefully that [contract situation] will all be sorted very soon. Could well be. Just trying to enjoy the week, really," Todd said.
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@ACT-Crusader he lives in Brisbane. Was married to my cousin. Great man
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Heard an interesting rumour on Saturday night. Crusaders have signed an all blacks prop for next year.
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@chchfanatic Reuben O'Neill or Kane Hames?