'It’s a bittersweet time': Crusaders confirm Sevu Reece's departure

The Crusaders have confirmed All Blacks wing Sevu Reece’s impending departure at the conclusion of the 2026 season, signalling the end of a historic Super Rugby career.

A deal with Top 14 strugglers Perpignan is set to bring Super Rugby’s all-time leading try-scorer’s time at Rugby Park to a close, although one strange caveat could see the deal null and void.

It’s understood that the club, winless 11 rounds into the season, must avoid relegation for the deal to follow through.

Regardless, the Crusaders have announced Reece’s departure, paying tribute to a record-breaking seven years in red and black.

“The amount of growth Sevu has had in his time in the red and black since 2019 is a credit to his character,” Crusaders head coach Rob Penney said.

“While at this club, he’s started his own family, achieved a huge amount of milestones, and helped lead this team to six titles. He’s also on track to earn his 100th Crusaders cap this year, which will be a special way to end his last season with us.” 

At 28 years of age, Reece has reached the familiar All Blacks wing tipping point. The team has a history of favouring young, energetic up-and-comers on the wing over more seasoned talents pushing 30, and that fate had befallen Reece in 2025.

After another stellar Super Rugby Pacific season, in which he added eight tries to his career tally, Reece was one of just two wingers named in the All Blacks’ first squad of the year for their July series against France. While he started the year as the favoured option on the right wing, he dropped out of the matchday 23 entirely following the All Blacks’ Rugby Championship loss to Los Pumas in Buenos Aires, the fifth Test of the season.

Emoni Narawa and Will Jordan were both trialled in the No.14 jersey before selectors ultimately settled on Test rookie Leroy Carter.

While Reece finished the Test season on a high with two tries off the bench against Wales, that will likely be his final showing in black. With All Blacks eligibility soon to be off the table, it is expected Reece will not be selected for higher honours even before his departure, as was the case with Mark Tele’a this year.

The Fijian flyer has vowed to compete for another title in his final Super Rugby season.

“This club has given me everything, and I will forever be grateful for all the opportunities I have had in the red and black. I’ll miss so many things about this club, but mainly the people – they are what make the Crusaders so special. The friendships I’ve made in my time here will stay with me forever.  

“It’s a bittersweet time, and this hasn’t been an easy decision at all, but my family and I are really excited for this next adventure together in France; however, I still have a job to do here. I can’t wait for this season, I’m really hoping I can finish on a high and win one last title, and to do that under the roof at the new stadium will be unreal.”