Rising All Blacks powerhouse Fletcher Newell lands new contract

Fresh off an influential showing for the All Blacks against France, 25-year-old scrum machine Fletcher Newell has been locked in with a new contract by the Crusaders and New Zealand Rugby.

The Cantabrian was thrown into the starting XV for the first two Tests of the July series and proved that his Super Rugby form could translate to the international game, with the Kiwis earning the upper hand in the scrum battles.

Game three saw the return of Tyrel Lomax, and the Hurricanes star was put straight back into the top job while Newell was moved to the bench. The result was multiple scrum penalties going the All Blacks’ way late in the contest.

The 25-cap prop expressed nothing but joy for living out his childhood dream.

“I’m extremely grateful to re-sign with the Crusaders. It’s a team I grew up watching as a young kid. I’ve played rugby for as long as I can remember and would come to the games when I was a wee one,” says Newell.  

“I just love this team, and I wouldn’t want to be with anyone else.” 

Now with 45 Crusaders appearances to his name, Newell has battled for selection alongside several All Blacks — including greats like his mentor Owen Franks.

“We’ve got an amazing culture here at the Crusaders; not just the players, but all the management and back-room staff. You turn up every day, everyone wants to work hard for each other, which is one of my values that we all share. I just love coming in every day and working with these guys.”

2025 has seen Newell reach career-best form, form that hit new heights in the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs, where he put in multiple 80-minute shifts – including the semi-final and final.

“We’re here to represent the whole of the Crusaders region. There’s a lot of people who would love to put on the Crusaders jersey, and we’re so lucky that we’re able to do it every week. 

“It means the world to me. Growing up wanting to be a Crusader and now being one, I’m just extremely grateful.” 

Chris Lendrum, NZR General Manager Professional Rugby & Performance says, “Fletcher is a young man with a bright future, and his success so far is a mark of both his talent and dedication to his craft as he’s moved through the high-performance system from the New Zealand U20s in 2019 through the All Blacks.  

“We look forward to watching his continued development and progression in coming seasons.”