New Brighton Rugby

Ryan Crotty is set to bring up his 150th Investec Super Rugby game on Saturday as the side prepares for their final home game of the regular season against the Rebels.

The West Stand at Christchurch Stadium has been renamed the 'Ryan Crotty Stand' for this match, and members of our Club and his former school, Shirley Boys' High School, have been invited to attend. Members should watch out for Ryan's entrance to the field on Saturday night as there will be a guard of honour from a large number of juniors from our Club.

This is a fantastic gesture from the Crusaders in recognition of how important the Club is to Ryan, and in return how much we respect Ryan for his not only his on-field contribution to the Crusaders, but also the massive amount he has done for our profile and the way he continues to contribute to the grass roots level within the Club.

An intelligent midfielder and natural leader, Ryan earned his first start for the Crusaders in 2009 against Western Force and scored his first Super Rugby try early in that match.

He took over the vice-captaincy for the Crusaders in 2014 and ended up Captaining for a number of games while Kieran Read was out injured. He had a very impressive season, earning his first start for the All Blacks against the Wallabies in 2013. He has earned over 40 Test caps since then and has become a regular starter in the All Black squad.

Ryan was selected for the Junior All Blacks in 2009. He was also a member of the successful New Zealand Under-20 team at the Junior World Championships in Wales in 2011 and captaining the team against Ireland.

Ryan’s father, Steve played rugby for Nelson Bays and his mother Robyn is a former New Zealand Water Polo Representative.

For those that wont make it to the game, we would welcome you to the Club to watch the game with your fellow Club members and celebrate Ryan's fantastic achievement.

Kia Kaha Ryan!!