Crusaders pry Maori All Black away from Blues to fill gaping midfield hole

The Crusaders have taken the first step in rebuilding their midfield stocks for the 2027 season by signing versatile Northland and Blues talent Corey Evans on a two-year deal.

The 25-year-old will arrive in Christchurch having missed all but 16 minutes of the recent Super Rugby Pacific season while recovering from an ankle injury, but has 32 Blues caps and two Maori All Blacks appearances under his belt ahead of his transfer south.

The Crusaders were in desperate need of new talent in the midfield after losing three All Blacks, including their captain, following the recent campaign.

David Havili cut his contract short to sign in Japan after two seasons leading the Crusaders, while Dallas McLeod has been lured north by Exeter, and Braydon Ennor joins Sevu Reece in a move to Perpignan. All Blacks star Leicester Fainga’anuku remains with the team moving forward, but a question remains over what position he’ll play after a season in which he shifted to the loose forwards.

For Evans, the move allows him to experience a new environment with a rich history of success.

“The Crusaders are known for their high standards and winning culture. I feel like this is the perfect spot for me to grow as a player and play some good footy,” he said.

“I’m keen to connect with some of the boys I’ve grown up playing with and against. Also meeting new faces and being able to contribute to a successful team.”

The Crusaders have some young talent coming through the ranks in the midfield, with Cooper Roberts impressing on debut against the Hurricanes and Toby Bell also making a strong start to his Super Rugby career in the recent season.

The Chiefs ended the Crusaders’ season in the semi-final after a late surge from the then-defending champions at their new home ground of Te Kaha. Evans says he’s looking forward to calling the $656 million roofed stadium in central Christchurch home.

“Pretty keen to play in that new stadium,” he said.

“From watching on TV it looks like they’ve got the whole community behind them, which is pretty cool to see. I can’t wait to be a part of it.”