Crusaders captain David Havili re-signs with New Zealand Rugby through 2027
Thursday, 22 May 2025
David Havili isn’t going anywhere for at least another couple of years.
The 30-year-old All Blacks and Crusaders midfielder has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) through 2027, ensuring he will be in the mix for the next World Cup.
Speaking after Crusaders media on Wednesday, Havili admitted he turned down multiple overseas offers in favour of staying put, a decision impacted by him being named captain of the red and blacks this year.
“I just felt it wasn’t my time,” Havili said.
“I just look back at the captains of this team, they just done the job and I wanted to stay here and really look forward to the future around seeing these young guys come through, and keeping the club where it needs to be.”
Havili, who has played 30 tests for the All Blacks, also cited the 2027 World Cup in Australia, reaching 150 Crusaders caps, as well as playing in Christchurch’s new indoor stadium, as incentives to remain in New Zealand.
“Plus, my wedding is at the end of the year. Me and my partner [Lucy] are pretty happy to get that across the line,” he said.
“Certainly had a few [overseas options], definitely would be silly not to weigh them up, but the positives outweighed those offers…and I felt like I've still got so much to offer.”
Should the 138-capped Havili remain fit, he will become the ninth Crusader to play at least 150 games during the 2026 season, a feat halfback Mitchell Drummond will reach against the Highlanders on Friday night.
Havili debuted for the Crusaders in 2015 and is the longest tenured player on the roster after hooker Codie Taylor and Drummond.
Having started out in the midfield under then coach Todd Blackadder, he found his calling at fullback after Scott Robertson took over in 2017, before shifting to the midfield in 2021.
“In the early days, I was bright eyed and just wanted to go out there and play rugby. Now, it's about passing on some knowledge and doing the best I can to help lead the team, and still continue to play.
“I want to play well and compete for my jersey, but at the same time being able to set some stepping stones for the next leaders coming through.”
Havili, the first back to captain the Crusaders on a full-time basis, has won seven titles with the red and blacks, and is the latest among a host of players to recommit to NZR this year.
That list includes Chiefs standout Wallace Sititi (2027), Hurricanes loose forward Peter Lakai (2027), Blues lock Sam Darry (2028), Crusaders wing Macca Springer (2028) and Crusaders prop George Bower (2027).
The Crusaders, who will welcome back blockbusting utility Leicester Fainga’anuku next year, have the bulk of their squad locked in beyond this year.
“It's special for the organisation. He is a long-serving Crusader and it would have been probably easy for him to look offshore or at other opportunities,” Crusaders coach Rob Penney said of Havili.
“The old adage, he's got red and black in his veins and he's such a key part of the glue between management, coaching staff and the playing group to get the synergy. And he's done a fantastic job as captain and it's just so exciting for the organisation that he's going to be around a bit longer.”