Crusaders 2023

[Chris]

@SBW1

Yeah, Afoa is back at Vannes for 2024.

[SBW1]

He is 39, is he playing on into his 40s? Will be good to have his experience. Wonder if it is a reflection on Razor wanting to attract more offshore Kiwis home.

[Chris]

@SBW1

Yeah he will be 40 next year and playing for RC Vannes in France not an easy comp to play in for a Forward.
He must be holding his own to still be contracted.

[chchfanatic]

@gt12 thanks mate. I only post stuff that I know is 100%. I’m sure I’ve posted somethings that haven’t come true. I know the Folau Fakatava one a few years ago. But he had signed with crusaders and then back flipped on them apparantly. I have a pretty good source on the inside. As does Chris. However I have no idea who the new coach is. The main rumours I’ve heard is Ross Filipo or Andrew Goodman.

[SBW1]

Grace and Havili injury concerns is a worry.

[SBW1]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/300890759/wounded-crusaders-sweating-on-more-injuries-ahead-of-playoffs

[SBW1]

'Does put a damper on things': Crusaders concerned with All Black duo

The Crusaders comprehensive 42-18 victory over the Waratahs has come with a cost with two more All Blacks under injury clouds heading into the final round.

[Chris B.]

@SBW1 said in Crusaders v Waratahs:

Grace and Havili injury concerns is a worry.

Yeah - even though we have people coming back who can cover for them, I'm pretty sure both would have been in our starting XV (mine anyway) so we'll be a bit weaker for their likely absence and already a bit weakened with plenty of others out for the season. At some point that will start to take a toll on performance.

[SBW1]

Davey will be worse as we have seen Grace come and go from injury. Wonder who else might be brought in. Will Harford get a go this year?

[Chris B.]

@chchfanatic said in Crusaders 2023:

However I have no idea who the new coach is. The main rumours I’ve heard is Ross Filipo or Andrew Goodman.

Goodman has certainly been talked about as a future Crusaders coach and I've heard some chat about him being appointed this time (from people speculating).

What seems a bit odd to me, is that it was pretty clear that Razor was on his way out after this season - one way or another. If Goody was the preferred option, I would have expected him to have stayed in Christchurch. Google throws this up while I'm trying to find out how long he signed at Leinster for.

Rugby

Leinster boost with Andrew Goodman staying despite interest from Crusaders

Leinster are set for a major boost, as the highly regarded Andrew Goodman is expected to remain part of the province’s coaching staff next season.

[SBW1]

Surely we aren't going for an interim coach.

[Stargazer]

https://www.crusaders.co.nz/latest/news/will-jordan-signs-to-2027/

[Duluth]

Good to see another relatively long commitment to NZ rugby. Same length as R Ioane

[Chris B.]

@Stargazer Awesome news!

[Stargazer]

@Duluth Yep, and Samisoni Taukei'aho.

[SBW1]

Great news.

[Chris]

Finally announced Will Jordan being re signed aye @Nepia

[SBW1]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/300890957/i-need-some-boots-how-dan-carter-helped-john-afoa-make-shock-super-rugby-return

[Dan54]

@Chris said in Crusaders 2023:

Finally announced Will Jordan being re signed aye @Nepia

Thats great news, I love reading that players are committing to NZR , and a long term one like this is excellent!

[Canes4life]

According to Clubrugby.co.nz and despite announcing his retirement after Wellington's NPC title win, Pek Cowan is the next in line if any more props go down for the Crusaders.