Perseverance the only path for Crusaders rookie Louie Chapman

Home is where the heart is, and for Louie Chapman, that home is Christchurch. The 2018 head prefect of Christchurch Boys’ High was one of the most successful age-group athletes in New Zealand.

As captain of the First XV, he led his team to victory in the South Island Championship and was selected for the New Zealand Secondary Schools.

In cricket, he helped Boys’ High win two national titles, sharing the field with future Black Cap Mitchell Hay.

A professional career in either rugby or cricket was within reach, but Chapman chose the oval ball. After seven seasons of toil, during which he played 40 games for Tasman and 11 for Canterbury, he has finally secured a full-time Super Rugby Pacific contract with the Crusaders.

“It’s a real sense of fulfilment to finally get a full-time deal. It’s a proud moment for my family. I’ve been part of the wider training group for three years now, and while it’s not glamorous carrying tackle bags, nobody’s bigger than the team – that’s how I was raised. It’s a privilege to do rugby as your job with great mates,” Chapman told RugbyPass.

Chapman emphasised the importance of hard work, even when not on the field.

“You have to push your teammates, which benefits the whole team, and you must be prepared because you never know when you’ll get your chance. I was actually on the verge of playing in 2024 until a groin injury sidelined me for three weeks, which was frustrating.

“My only game for the Crusaders was in the last round of the 2023 regular season against the Hurricanes in Wellington. I wasn’t supposed to start, but Mitch Drummond withdrew late, and I ended up playing 70 minutes. We lost after being 19-3 up, but fortunately, the boys went on to win the title. I might be the only player on the honours board at Rugby Park with a sword beside my name for winning a championship while actually playing in a losing game. I’m hoping to change that.”

There’s every chance Chapman will achieve this if he continues the form he displayed for Canterbury in the 2025 NPC. He played 11 matches, scoring five tries, including two in a 31-25 victory against Tasman during Canterbury’s first defence of the Ranfurly Shield, which they won from Southland in the previous game, 54-14. Chapman scored two tries in that victory, too.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

3

Draws

0

Wins

2

Average Points scored

31

31

First try wins

40%

Home team wins

40%

In the Tasman tussle, Canterbury denied the Mako their second tenure with the Log o’Wood when All Blacks hooker George Bell scored a try after 25 phases and 84 minutes – exactly 40 years after the classic “shield game of the century.” The legendary 1985 match between Canterbury and Auckland saw Auckland win 28-23, marking the beginning of their record 61-game tenure with the Shield and ending Canterbury’s 25-game streak.

Chapman only recorded his first NPC try with Tasman during his 40th and final match, a 47-31 loss in an under-strength roster against Otago. During Tasman’s successful Ranfurly Shield defence in 2024, his only contribution came in the final minute when he kicked the ball out in a 28-15 win over Wellington.

“I loved the Tasman game; there was definitely a bit of extra niggle. Ironically, Mitch Drummond, who replaced me at Tasman, scored the first try and celebrated with a fins-up, which made all the boys laugh. When I scored three minutes later, I thought about doing a fins-up myself, but that might have sparked a brawl,” Chapman recalled with a laugh.

“Tasman was the first union to give me a chance, and I’ll always be grateful for that. I made lifelong friends there.”

An invite to David Havili’s wedding was highlighted as an example of those friendships.

Chapman played five games and achieved four wins during Tasman’s 2020 NPC Premiership success.

An even greater honour was helping Canterbury win the NPC for the 15th time. In the final, held at the sold-out Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch, Canterbury defeated Otago 36-28, having previously lost the Ranfurly Shield to them 38-36 on September 20, despite being ahead by 15 points.

“Tactically, we didn’t change much for the final. We just focused more on reducing mistakes, tightening things up, and playing in the right areas of the field. We knew if we could starve the Otago backs of possession and dictate the pace of the game, we’d be hard to beat.”

In the 58th minute, Chapman scored a crucial try.

“It was a great moment and felt decisive because, even though there was still plenty of time left, it gave us a three-try buffer. I didn’t really do much; Jamie Hannah, who has the skill set of Michael Jordan and the running frame of a giraffe, delivered a peach of a pass to Manasa Matele, who did his thing, barging off defenders at will. Andrew Knewstubb, properly, wanted to sidestep; instead, he positioned me for a clear run-in. Dotting down in front of the terrace crowd was one of the best feelings I’ve had in a Canterbury jersey.”

Chapman shared his success with his late grandfather, Bob Barlow.

“Bob died just after the NPC. Seeing the delight he had in our success was really special. He played fullback for South Canterbury from 1960 to 1962 and is a big reason why I play rugby with his support and love of the game.”

Champan will face tough competition for regular playing time with the champion Crusaders in 2026, as he competes against two All Blacks. However, he brings more experience to the table than Noah Hotham and Kyle Preston, along with a solid understanding of his own strengths.

“My ability to drive the game is my greatest strength,” he said. “I enjoy tactical battles and trust my judgment to make good decisions. Noah and Kyle are more running halfbacks, and their instincts are exceptional. Kyle also has a great kicking game.”

Chapman will get her first chance for the Crusaders in 2026 when he starts off the bench against the Brumbies at Apollo Projects Stadium on Sunday.  Coach Rob Penney remarked.

“Louie’s the heart and soul of the team. Everyone rejoices when someone with his perseverance gets an opportunity.”

The Brumbies match falls on the 15th anniversary of the February 22 earthquake, in which 185 people perished. A moment of silence will be observed before kick-off.

“It’s so fitting to play on the 15?year anniversary. It was such a tough time for the city, and it’s been really cool to see the bounce back. We’ll use that as fuel,” says Chapman.

Apollo Projects Stadium has been the Crusaders’ makeshift venue since the 2012 earthquake. They have won 98 of their 119 matches and scored 494 tries at the venue. Matches against the Highlanders and Fijian Drua follow the Brumbies fixture, with the new One New Zealand Stadium opening on April 24 with a match against the Waratahs.