1
Young Crusaders lock extends contract to 2028
By Henry Lee
Young Crusaders lock Jamie Hannah has extended his contract at the Christchurch-based side until 2028, locking in his future at the Super Rugby Pacific side that gave him his first professional opportunity.
ADVERTISEMENT
The 22-year-old has showcased his talents after coming through Christchurch Boys 1st XV side as co-captain and through the Crusaders academy and youth ranks.
“Stilts,” as his teammates call him, made his debut for the Crusaders in 2023 and is delighted to extend his stay at the club he grew up watching.
“I have looked up to the Crusaders my whole childhood, growing up watching them, and now actually being here in the team, it’s something I always thought would be cool but never thought it would happen,” Hannah told the official Crusaders website.
“We talked about what was right for me, but it didn’t take long to come to the conclusion that staying here is the best option. This is the only Super Rugby team I want to be playing for. It was a pretty easy decision to be fair.”
Hannah has been in the Crusaders ranks for a couple of years now, after learning from some of the best locks in the world, like Samuel Whitelock and Scott Barrett.
Although there have been limited minutes available for the lock, he has been able to take every opportunity given to him and prove he’s able to compete at this level.
ADVERTISEMENT
Hannah will look to add to his 16 Crusaders appearances, after another one of their locks, Zach Gallagher has made a move to the Hurricanes in Wellington, which could possibly open up more opportunities for Hannah.
The 200cm lock is excited about the 2025 playing group the Crusaders have at their disposal.
“I just love going into Rugby Park every day, we have a good bunch of boys in the team and I’m excited at the idea of continuing the legacy that’s already been laid down by players before me.”
Current Crusaders head coach Rob Penney was extremely happy to have secured the long-term future of the exciting lock.
ADVERTISEMENT
“We’re really pleased to have Jamie extended through to 2028, he’s developed tremendously within the organisation over the last few years and I’m looking forward to seeing him force his way into the playing side to unleash his undoubted potential,” Penney said.
To be first in line for Rugby World Cup 2027 Australia tickets, register your interest here
Jamie Hannah one of a number of players coming through who have big futures. George Bell , Crusaders hooker who has been in the team since 2022, I believe is a future Crusaders captain and has years ahead in the All Blacks. Was dynamic in his appearances for Canterbury when released by the AB's. His try for the Crusaders in the win over the Chiefs was brilliant. A great one -two punch with Codie Taylor.
It's nice to read stories about young players doing well who are staying in NZ. I understand the attraction of going offshore so it's good news when they choose to stay.
The Crusaders dynasty continues.
Really added to the legend last yesr didnt they?
There is a crop of new locks coming through that show promise. As one of them, Jamie is still listed at 196cm in Crusader stats and appears to have gained 4 cm from this update. It would be good to get Sam Whitelock involved in the development of this new crop - in the technical aspects as well as the mental.
You are right about getting Sam Whitelock involved. He is the man, just recently read his book. Incredible lock/leader. At least with Jamie Hannah he had 2023 when he got first called up to the Crusaders , a season with Sam , who was in his last year here in NZ playing.
Great news Jamie Hannah has extended his contract with the Crusaders. He is one of a number top young locks coming through the system in NZ. I think he will be an All Black. Another is fellow Canterbury and Crusaders lock Liam Jack. Son of former Canterbury /Crusader Graham, nephew of Chris. Son of former Cantebury/Crusader Angus Gardiner ,Dominic Gardiner is a loose forward who is looking good.