'I'm very content': Crusaders captain David Havili announces departure

David Havili’s time in red and black has come to an end after one of the most successful Super Rugby careers in the competition’s history.

Departing the club after two seasons as captain, Havili was involved in all eight of the Crusaders’ recent championship seasons, starting at fullback in four finals and second five-eighth in three, while missing the 2023 final through an injury suffered just ahead of the playoffs.

Having debuted for the club in 2015, the 31-year-old has 155 Crusaders caps to his name and was just the eighth player, and first back, to be named Crusaders captain, following in the footsteps of Richard Loe, Todd Blackadder, Reuben Thorne, Richie McCaw, Kieran Read, Sam Whitelock, and Scott Barrett.

“I definitely feel like it’s time for me to move on with the next generation coming through. The legacy is in great hands,” Havili said.

“I’m very content. I know that I’ve done everything I can and I’m very proud of my journey and where I’ve come from. To be able to live out my dream here for around 15 years and be part of this legacy with some of the best players that have ever come through this club, it’s been an extreme honour.”

The Nelson product has picked his moment, with a new coach coming in for 2027 and some exciting new midfield talent knocking on the door, to make his exit, taking up a contract in Japan.

“The team’s in a great spot. With Scott Hansen coming in and strong talent coming through, it’s very exciting. There’s a lot of mana around that group, and I’m looking forward to seeing what they can do,” he added.

Havili is the third midfielder to announce his departure from the Crusaders following the 2026 season, with fellow capped All Blacks Braydon Ennor (Perpignan) and Dallas McLeod (Exeter Chiefs) both committing to long-term offshore contracts. Leicester Fainga’anuku’s shift from the midfield to loose forwards only adds to the roster challenge the club now faces.

However, recent U20 graduate Cooper Roberts made a barnstorming debut for the club in the final round of the regular season; Chay Fihaki has experience playing centre; and the Crusaders already have young prospects Aki Tuivailala and Toby Bell in the official squad.

Reflecting on his fondest memories with the Crusaders, Havili says winning a title in his first year as captain was special.

“To go from 10th into 2024 to winning another title and being back where we belong and sending off Apollo (Stadium) with a 32–0 record, that was probably the highlight of my career – leading this team to a title, and I’m just so grateful that Penz gave me that opportunity to be able to do it.”

The 32-cap All Black says he’s excited for the next chapter in his journey and has endless gratitude for his time at Rugby Park.

“It’s the people I’ll miss the most. The banter, travelling with the boys, those connections. Everyone cares about the jersey and has a common goal…

“To the fans, the organisation, past and present players; thank you so much for standing with me and being a part of my journey, I’ll never forget it. I’ll always be a Crusader.”