Crusaders prospect Harry Inch officially signs with New Zealand Warriors

Crusaders prospect Harry Inch has officially made the move across codes, signing with the New Zealand Warriors in the NRL on a two-year deal.

It was reported earlier this week that Inch, 19, was set to leave rugby union for the NRL, along with fellow New Zealand schoolboys representative Saumaki Saumaki.

Heralded as a generational prospect, Inch was a standout for the Nelson College First XV during the team’s run to the final of the National Top Four competition, where they were beaten by Hamilton Boys’ High School 27-17 in September 2024

Inch had signed a three-year deal with Tasman Mako in New Zealand’s NPC, before training and playing with the Crusaders’ top squad earlier this year. The No.10 represented the Crusaders U20 in March, defeating the Chiefs to secure the club’s back-to-back Super Rugby U20 titles.

“He’s so tough. He’s just not afraid of anything. He’s a farmer, [with] farmer strength. He beats all the boys in the wrestles in the gym and he’s just a kid out of school,” Crusaders assistant coach James Marshall said.

The Warriors have confirmed that Inch will join the Under-21^st side when pre-season starts next month, as the New Zealanders set their sights on the Jersey Flegg Cup premiership.

Braelan Marsh is another new face in the Warriors squad after putting pen to paper on a deal last month. The Warriors recruit is the son of former Parramatta Eels, Warriors, Brisbane Broncos and Queensland Maroons representative, PJ Marsh.

“We’ve been interested in Harry for some time and we’re delighted to sign him,” New Zealand Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden said in a statement on Friday afternoon.

“He’s a terrific player and a great young person with all the attributes needed to go a long way in rugby league. As well as his set of skills, he has a real toughness about him.”