Crusaders secure signing of Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi

Crusaders have secured the signing of New Zealand international Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi for the 2022 season.

The 26-year-old will head to Crusaders after a four-year stint with Chiefs and has also represented Hurricanes in 10 Super Rugby games.

He was selected for the Maori All Blacks that went on to face British and Irish Lions in 2017 and also featured for New Zealand Under 20 side eight times. He has also represented the All Blacks in three Tests - all of it in 2018.

“I’m really grateful for the opportunity to join a club that has such an awesome track record in Super Rugby, and it’s exciting to have the chance to contribute to a team like the Crusaders,” Tahuriorangi told the club's official website.

“I worked with Razor a few years back as part of the New Zealand Under 20s programme, so I’m looking forward to reconnecting with him next season and embracing a fresh challenge in my rugby career.”

Crusaders Head Coach Scott Robertson feels the signing of Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi will add depth to the squad.

“I was really impressed by Te Toiroa during our 2015 Junior World Championship campaign, he was a big part of our success that year and we're looking forward to getting the best out of him next season,” Robertson said.

“I know he’s prepared to come down here and compete for a spot which is hugely exciting, and we look forward to welcoming him into our whanau.”