Havili named as Crusaders captain

David Havili. Photo: Crusaders

David Havili has been officially named as the new Crusaders captain.

The 30-year-old midfielder was unveiled at 10am today as skipper of the red-and-blacks from the 2025 season, replacing Scott Barrett.

“It’s very humbling. I was pretty blown away when Penney approached me,” said Havili.

"This is certainly the proudest moment I have had for a while. The Crusaders are all about community, and I love this team."

Head coach Rob Penney said: "We’ve already seen Davey prove himself in this role over the last couple of years, he’s a man that cares deeply about the team and their way forward. He is going to be exceptional."

Havili has been vice-captain since 2020 and has led the side on numerous occasions when Barrett has been unavailable.

Havili has made 128 Super Rugby appearances since his debut in 2015.

He has 30 All Blacks caps since his debut in 2017 and last played against Italy on last year's Northern Tour.

Havili played several games at first five-eighth last year as the Crusaders grappled with injuries in a bid to prove his versatility to All Blacks coach Scott Robertson and win a recall to the national side.

While he was selected in the team for the Rugby Championship, he did not play with Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane the preferred midfield pairing.

He will not wear the No 10 jersey this season, Crusaders head coach Rob Penney confirmed.

Havili also captained his provincial side, Tasman Makos to the 2019 and 2020 NPC titles.

Former skipper Barrett relenquished the captaincy for workload reasons after leading both the Crusaders and All Blacks last season.

The Crusaders finished ninth in their first season under Penney, breaking a streak of seven consecutive Super Rugby titles.

Havili is set to lead the team in their first pre-season match against the Blues in Kirwee on January 31. Their Super Rugby Pacific season begins at home against the Hurricanes on February 14.