Crusaders halfback re-signs with franchise for two more years

Exciting Crusaders halfback Kyle Preston has today re-signed with the Christchurch-based franchise until 2027, extending his deal for two extra years.

The 25-year-old plays for Wellington in the Bunnings NPC where he made his debut in 2023, before making his Crusaders debut slightly earlier than some may have expected, in 2025 round one against the Hurricanes.

Preston says that his first season in Christchurch exceeded his expectations.

“It’s a special place down here and it definitely looks like somewhere to be my home in the future for sure,” says Preston on a Crusaders statement.

“This season has been pretty surreal; coming down here at the start of the year not expecting much, to then starting like it did and being offered another couple of years is pretty special.

“Ending the season with a championship was pretty cool, I don’t have a word to sum it up, but the whole season has been pretty awesome.”

The halfback has high praise for the Crusaders environment, explaining that he can’t see himself playing at any other Super Rugby Pacific franchise.

“For this club to show the love they have for me is pretty special. The care this club has for the people that are involved with it; I can’t see myself playing anywhere else.

“The willingness and the drive for everyone to learn every day, get better and just that winning championship mindset – it’s second to none here, it’s just engrained in everyone.”

Preston says that the history of the Crusaders is something that continues to motivate him to be a better rugby player.

“Every day here is a chance to get better,” he says.

“I want to honour the jersey, the history, and the people who’ve built this club into what it is. This team has done some special things in the past and it’s a goal for that to continue to happen,” Preston told the Crusaders.

“For me, it’s continuing to get better every day, sharpening the tools in my toolbox and growing as a person off the field as well.”