Willi Heinz to make Crusaders return in 2024

Crusaders have announced that Willi Heinz will be rejoining the Super Rugby club ahead of the 2024 season.

Heinz started his professional rugby career with Canterbury in 2009 and went on to make his Super Rugby debut for Crusaders a year later.

After having made over 50 appearances for Crusaders, the 36-year-old headed to England where he went on to play for Gloucester in 100 games before joining Worcester Warriors.

The veteran scrum-half was called up to England training squad under Eddie Jones in 2017 having qualified to play for them through his grandmother but went on to make his Test debut in 2019. He earned 13 caps for England, including five appearances at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

“I’ve loved being back in camp in 2023, training at Rugby Park and taking the field with the boys,” he told the club's official website.

“I’m excited to work with Noah and Drummy again – the future of the club is looking very good.”