Crusaders players Kershawl Sykes-Martin and lock Will Tucker in heated scuffle at training

Tuesday, 10 March 2026

The Aotearoa Rugby Pod break down Beauden Barrett’s stellar return for the Blues, after he guided them to victory over the Crusaders. With Dave Rennie selecting the All Blacks 'on form,' it was a great way for the veteran to start.

This story initially said punches were traded by the Crusaders players involved. It was amended to a 'heated scuffle' after a difference of opinion between our reporter and Crusaders management.

Tensions bubbled over at Crusaders training as two forwards got involved in a heated scuffle on Tuesday.

Prop Kershawl Sykes-Martin and lock Will Tucker were involved in the feisty dust-up as the Super Rugby Pacific champions engaged in a contact session at Rugby Park in Christchurch.

Crusaders captain David Havili quickly rushed in to break-up the exchange between Sykes-Martin and Tucker, who were pulled apart and eyeballed each other, while others, such as All Blacks fullback Will Jordan, stood back and let the big men blow off some steam.

The altercation, witnessed by media who had a ringside seat as they waited to conduct interviews, reflected the tension in the Crusaders camp after the 29-13 defeat to the Blues in Auckland last weekend.

While tussles between players at training are not uncommon, the public rarely get an insight into the aggression displayed because trainings are conducted behind closed doors.

Crusaders coach Rob Penney said he had no problem with the dust-up between Sykes-Martin and Tucker.

Penney, in fact, welcomed the sight of the two players getting stuck into each other.

Penney, who played in the tough amateur era for Canterbury, knows how tempers can fray when players are on edge.

The Crusaders will host the Highlanders in Christchurch on Saturday night.

“So there should be,” Penney said when asked if there was tension in the camp after the defeat to the Blues.

“It was a really lovely sight to see, actually. It is a reflection of how much it means. The boys aren't happy with the performances and the outcomes.

“Very proud young men are going to come up against each other, and create a bit of sandpaper from time to time.

“But it's not a thing that is going to affect negatively. We are all over it, the boys are fine.“

Given the poor performance against the Blues at Eden Park, Penney and his assistants would have demanded improvements ahead of the South Island derby.

Penney expected there could be more scuffles between team-mates at training in the future.

“It's not the first time and it won't be the last.”

The Crusaders will name their team to play the Highlanders on Wednesday afternoon.

This story initially said punches were traded by the Crusaders players involved. It was amended to a 'heated scuffle' after a difference of opinion between our reporter and Crusaders management.