Fringe All Blacks lock Quinten Strange has re-signed with the Crusaders through 2023, further bolstering the reigning champions’ second row stocks.
The 24-year-old joins fellow Crusaders locks Sam Whitelock and captain Scott Barrett on the books for at least three more seasons.
Strange, despite being limited to five appearances (one start) during Super Rugby Aotearoa last year due to injuries, was one of seven new caps in the All Blacks’ 35-man squad last September.
However, the Takaka product injured his ankle training with the national side in Hamilton the following month, resulting in fellow Crusader Mitchell Dunshea replacing him.
Strange, who made his Super Rugby debut against the Sunwolves in 2017 and has 30 caps to his name, returned from the blow to help Tasman win a second consecutive NPC title.
His recommitment to the 11-times champions brings the number of Crusaders on the books through 2023 to eight.
Midfielders Jack Goodhue and Braydon Ennor, loose forward Cullen Grace, flanker Tom Christie and utility David Havili are the others.
Half a dozen others – Joe Moody, Will Jordan, George Bridge, Richie Mo’unga, Sevu Reece and Mitchell Drummond – are signed through 2022.
But there remains a bunch of big names to lock up in the coming months, including hooker Codie Taylor and wing Leicester Fainga’anuku.
The Crusaders are holding a public open day at Christchurch’s Rugby Park, which has recently been resurfaced, between 4-6pm on Wednesday.
Head coach Scott Robertson will unveil his team for Friday evening’s pre-season match against the Highlanders in Temuka during the event.
