Crusaders sign Rene Ranger and Josh McKay as injury cover

by Frank Nickson Tuesday 12 January 2021

Rene Ranger has played six Tests for New Zealand between 2010 and 2013

©PA

Crusaders have confirmed that Rene Ranger and Josh McKay have been signed as an injury cover ahead of the 2021 season of Super Rugby Aotearoa.

The decision follows after All Black Braydon Ennor is out of the competition after rupturing his ACL while wings George Bridge and Manasa Mataele are recovering from pectoral injuries.

Ranger, who can play at both midfield and wing featured in 76 games for Blues between 2009 and 2017 and also had represented Montpellier, La Rochelle, Hino Red Dolphins, Sunwolves and Colorado Raptors.

The 34-year-old also played six Tests for the All Blacks between 2010 and 2013.

McKay, who has been signed as a replacement for Ennor made his professional rugby debut with provincial side Canterbury in 2017 and a year later he went on to make his Super Rugby debut for Highlanders. The 5ft 11in wing also had represented New Zealand Under 20 team in the past.

Crusaders will kick-start the 2021 season of Super Rugby Aotearoa with a clash against Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium on 26th February.