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Double blow for Crusaders system with two shock defects to league
By Ben Smith
The Crusaders have been dealt a double blow as two highly touted prospects have defected to rugby league, according to a report.
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Tasman Makos pair Harry Inch and Saumaki Saumaki, two New Zealand schoolboy reps in 2024, have reportedly left to pursue the NRL.
First five eighth Harry Inch had signed a three-year contract with the Makos but was unseen in this year’s NPC competition.
The 19-year-old was a highly rated prospect by the Crusaders who trained and played in the pre-season with the top Crusaders squad, before representing the Crusaders U20 in March.
He has been granted a release to pursue a deal with the New Zealand Warriors according to TRU Chief Steve Mitchell.
“Our union is a stepping stone for players in their careers,” Mitchell told Nelson App.
“The timing of the approach from the agent wasn’t ideal given the stage of the season the Mako are at but you can’t hold back young players.”
Saumaki is a powerful loose forward who played blindside and No.8 at 1st XV level, who has linked up with the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
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“We weren’t even advised about that,” said Mitchell on losing Saumaki.
Both were integral members of the generational Nelson College 1st XV that made the national top four final last year, before making national rep honours with New Zealand.
Both played for Crusaders U20 this year and were eligible to return for a push for the New Zealand U20s in 2026.
The Crusaders had fought hard to retain Inch last year according to James Marshall, keeping the Warriors at bay.
“We had to fight pretty hard to keep him away from the Warriors, who offered him a pretty long-term deal up there,” said Crusaders assistant coach James Marshall in February.
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“I was just stoked that we could get him in the environment because, man, I see a massive future for him.”