Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
NZ NZ

Luke Romano set to join century club

By Online Editors

Luke Romano is set to join seven of his current teammates in reaching a huge milestone: Wyatt Crockett, Kieran Read, Owen Franks, Ryan Crotty, Sam Whitelock, Israel Dagg and Matt Todd have all played more than 100 Super Rugby games, and only Dagg has reached the ton having also played for another Super Rugby side the Highlanders.

ADVERTISEMENT

The 32-year-old said it was special to join a select group of current and former Crusaders, who have all played an important role in shaping Crusaders rugby.

“It’s a huge honour to play for this team, and I never would have dreamed of reaching 100 games when I made my debut in Timaru seven years ago.

“There’s a fantastic culture within the side that drives you to turn up each and every week and play the best rugby you can for your team mates, coaches, family and supporters. It’s certainly what has driven me to this milestone and I know it’s something special that I’ll look back on with a great deal of pride,” Romano said.

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson said Romano’s Crusaders teammates were determined to celebrate the milestone with a good performance against the Stormers.

“Luke is a valued member of our team, and has given his all every time he’s taken the field for the Crusaders over the past seven seasons. He had an immense 2017 campaign and was an important part of our success, so I know the boys will want to put a performance befitting this milestone on the field come Saturday night.

“100 Super Rugby games is a real testament to Luke’s character; he’s not only an uncompromising competitor, but is also a loyal Crusaders man and a great leader. It’s a special milestone and one we look forward to celebrating with Luke and his family,” Robertson said.

ADVERTISEMENT

New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew said: “On behalf of New Zealand Rugby, I’d like to congratulate Luke on reaching this special milestone.  He joins a pretty special club of New Zealand players to have reached 100 Super games, his loyalty to the game is certainly appreciated and he and his family can be rightly proud of everything he has achieved in the Crusaders jersey,”

Born in Nelson, Romano made his first-class debut against his home province, Tasman, for Canterbury back in 2009. Two years later he became Crusader #154 when he made his Super Rugby debut against the Bulls in Timaru. Romano earned his first Test cap the following year against Ireland in Hamilton and has now worn the black jersey on 31 occasions.

Last week, Romano played his 100th Crusaders game, which included his start against the British and Irish Lions in June 2017.

Courtesy of @rugby365

ADVERTISEMENT

Join free

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 6

Sam Warburton | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

Japan Rugby League One | Sungoliath v Eagles | Full Match Replay

Japan Rugby League One | Spears v Wild Knights | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 10 | Six Nations Final Round Review

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | How can New Zealand rugby beat this Ireland team

Beyond 80 | Episode 5

Rugby Europe Men's Championship Final | Georgia v Portugal | Full Match Replay

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

T
Trevor 1 hours ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

21 Go to comments
B
Bull Shark 5 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

29 Go to comments
FEATURE
FEATURE Storm clouds gather over Biarritz with owner poised to bail out Storm clouds gather over Biarritz with owner poised to bail out
Search