Ryan Crotty made his Crusaders debut in 2009. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Former All Black and Crusaders centurion Ryan Crotty has signed with the franchise for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Crotty, 35, played his last game for the Crusaders in 2019 before heading to Japan to play for the Kubota Spears.
He was coaxed back to Christchurch by a mix of family and rugby connections.
"I have so much love for this team, it's hard to put into words how much it means to me," Crotty said of his return.
He was spotted training with the Crusaders late in the '23 season, and fronted for Canterbury 2023 Bunnings NPC, playing nine matches towards the side's finals berth.
"Japan was great, a really good experience, but it felt like time to come home. Young family life, you know, it's so precious to spend more time with the kids - they didn't travel with me to Japan for that last season, so I'm hugely grateful to be here."
Ryan Crotty is Crusader number 134, having first played in the 2009 team which included Brad Thorn, Kieran Read, and Richie McCaw.
"Christchurch and the Crusaders are home for me and I'm just really excited to reconnect with some special friends," he said.
Crotty captained the team for a number of games in the 2014 season and was named vice-captain alongside Matt Todd in 2017 - Scott Robertson's first year coaching and the first of the Crusaders current seven-title streak.
Crusaders head coach Rob Penney said Crotty was "a great pro and legend of the club" who will undoubtedly play an important part in the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.
"He decided the coals were still burning hot for another campaign, and we were of course very enthusiastic about him coming back into camp," Penney said.
"His knowledge, his experience, his passion for this place - it's boundless. He's been a cornerstone of this place for a long time, helped to form the culture we have here, and is a leader both on and off the field."
Ryan Crotty of the Crusaders passing the ball against the Cheetahs. Photo: PHOTOSPORT