Crusaders' new 'diesel engine' doesn't mind 'being a grub' when needed

In 2025, Antonio Shalfoon has played a pivotal role in the Crusaders’ resurgence and re-signed for another season last week.

The laconic lock from Lincoln has started in 12 of his 13 appearances, accumulating 793 minutes on the field. With 165 tackles and 38 lineout catches, he ranks among the top 30 players in Super Rugby Pacific for both statistics.

“I’m like a diesel engine; I just keep going. I don’t mind getting into the dirty stuff and being a grub if I have to,” Shalfoon said, summarising his strengths to RugbyPass.

His understated, rugged style embodies classic Crusaders attributes, contributing to the 14-time Super Rugby Pacific champions being just one victory away from their 18th Grand Final appearance.

Standing in their way are the defending champions, the Blues, whom the Crusaders have beaten 21 times in their last 23 encounters. The Crusaders boast an impressive record of 30 consecutive playoff wins at home.

“It’s wet today, and it’s meant to be wet tomorrow. It will be forwards against forwards, up-the-guts rugby,” Shalfoon noted. “They’ve got a big forward pack, so they’ll try to knock down the front door.”

The Blues nearly succeeded at Apollo Projects Stadium on May 18, narrowly losing 25-22 on an 80th-minute penalty by James O’Connor.

“That game was tit for tat, with momentum shifts from both sides. You look forward to these battles; she’ll be a doozy,” Shalfoon remarked.

Understanding variable momentum is part of what makes the 27-year-old Shalfoon a professional player. It has taken him nearly a decade to establish himself. The son of military man Juan and schoolteacher Bronwyn, Antonio comes from a gifted athletic family in West Melton. His younger sister, Amelie, is currently on a volleyball scholarship at Weatherford College, an hour from Dallas, Texas.

Antonio earned a scholarship to Lincoln University to study sports management and play rugby after strong performances in the Lincoln High School First XV between 2014 and 2015. In 2018, he helped the Lincoln Seniors win a Canterbury Metro championship, but injuries have hindered his progress.

“I’ve had issues with my shoulders, ankles, eyes, broken legs – what haven’t I done?” Shalfoon lamented. “The worst was a left shoulder surgery a couple of years ago; I was out for months.”

Ironically, when Waikato struggled with injuries in the 2019 NPC, they noticed a rarely fit Shalfoon and summoned him to Hamilton, where he debuted in a 31-28 victory against Canterbury and played in five games.

In 2020, after being unwanted, he navigated between Nelson and Christchurch, working as a labourer or teacher’s aide while staying fit.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

4

Draws

0

Wins

1

Average Points scored

27

21

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

80%

In 2021, he got his break with Tasman, making seven appearances for the Mako, though they lost the NPC Premiership final 23-20 to Waikato.

His eight appearances in the 2024 season matched his combined total in 2022 and 2023. On September 7, 2024, Tasman won the Ranfurly Shield for the first time, defeating Hawke’s Bay 25-24 at McLean Park in Napier. The Mako successfully defended the Log o’ Wood against Wellington (28-15) and Auckland (31-17), with Shalfoon’s robust performances leading to a Super Rugby contract.

The departure of Zach Gallagher to the Hurricanes, along with injury struggles for fellow locks Scott Barrett, Jamie Hannah, and Tahlor Cahill, has allowed the uncomplicated, uncompromising Shalfoon to make his mark.

He lives with his brother Carlito, who is a video analyst for the Crusaders.

“Rugby, always rugby. He’s constantly throwing out random stats. Most of them, I don’t listen to,” Shalfoon laughed.