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Crusaders sign three-test All Blacks halfback for 2022 Super Rugby
The Crusaders have signed three-test All Blacks halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi on a one-year deal ahead of the 2022 Super Rugby season.
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Tahuriorangi joins the Crusaders from the Chiefs, where he has spent the past four seasons after moving north from the Hurricanes at the end of 2017.
It was during his debut campaign with the Chiefs when Tahuriorangi earned a surprise call-up to the All Blacks three years ago, named as third-choice halfback behind Aaron Smith and TJ Perenara.
However, after playing three tests against Argentina in Nelson, Japan in Tokyo and Italy in Rome throughout 2018, Tahuriorangi hasn’t been sighted for the All Blacks since then.
Instead, Chiefs teammate Brad Weber has cemented himself as New Zealand’s third-choice halfback, while Blues starlet Finlay Christie has also moved up the pecking order and is a member of the current All Blacks squad.
In fact, Tahuriorangi struggled for game time in Super Rugby this year as Weber, the franchise’s co-captain who yesterday confirmed he has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby for two further years, dominated the No 9 jersey this season.
The additional rise of rookie prospect Xavier Roe has seemingly forced Tahuriorangi to survey his options as he came off-contract this year, but the Crusaders have come calling as they look to build depth at halfback for next season.
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The Christchurch-based franchise currently have two halfbacks on their books for 2021, one-test All Black Mitchell Drummond and Maori All Blacks representative Bryn Hall.
Ere Enari, the club’s third-choice halfback, looks to be the casualty of Tahuriorangi’s arrival at Orangetheory Stadium, but the latter’s move south gives the Crusaders three players with international experience at their disposal at No 9.
Few franchises across Super Rugby can boast such depth, which should help the Crusaders in their bid to claim a sixth piece of silverware in as many seasons.
Tahuriorangi has history with Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson, who selected the Maori All Blacks representative in the New Zealand U20 team that went on to win the World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy six years ago.
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Robertson said his time with Tahuriorangi in the national age-grade set-up gave him a good insight into the latter’s abilities.
The All Blacks’ depth at halfback right now is ? #AllBlacks @brad_weber9 @Te_Nug @Tj_Perenara pic.twitter.com/RBIJ45F62j
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) August 25, 2021
“I was really impressed by Te Toiroa during our 2015 Junior World Championship campaign, he was a big part of our success that year and we’re looking forward to getting the best out of him next season,” he said via a statement.
“I know he’s prepared to come down here and compete for a spot which is hugely exciting, and we look forward to welcoming him into our whanau.”
Tahuriorangi, meanwhile, said he was “grateful” to be handed another chance in Super Rugby franchise heading into next season.
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity to join a club that has such an awesome track record in Super Rugby, and it’s exciting to have the chance to contribute to a team like the Crusaders,” Tahuriorangi said.
“I worked with Razor a few years back as part of the New Zealand Under 20s programme, so I’m looking forward to reconnecting with him next season and embracing a fresh challenge in my rugby career.”
The acquisition of Tahuiorangi represents the second signing made by the Crusaders for the 2022 campaign, as he joins Los Pumas star Pablo Matera as the two new players set to join the club.
Their presence should help compensate for the confirmed departures of Michael Alaalatoa (Leinster), Tom Sanders (Tokyo Sungoliath), Brett Cameron (Kamiashi Seawaves), Manasa Mataele (Western Force) and Josh McKay (Glasgow Warriors).
Comments on RugbyPass
Interesting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
12 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
1 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to commentsObscene that SA haven’t been knocking
1 Go to commentsChances of Blackadder being injured seem too high to give him serious consideration. ABs loosie combination finally looked good with 2 committed to tackling and clearing rucks in the centre and Ardie roaming. Hoskins/Ardie together would force one of them into where they don’t excel and don’t get to use their talent, or require a change in tactics. If we continue to evolve last years systems I would take Papali’i and Finau at 6 and 7 (conceding that Blackadder will be injured) and Ardie at 8.
15 Go to commentsArdie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
12 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
12 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
15 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
12 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
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