All Black utility back returns to Crusaders

NEWS: The Crusaders have confrimed the return of Leicester Fainga'anuku to the franchise for the 2026 Super Rugby season.

The 24-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Canterbury based outfit and has been a star for the side since his 2019 Super Rugby debut.

He was the joint top try scorer at the conclusion of the 2022 Super Rugby season - with fellow Crusader teammates Sevu Reece and Will Jordan.

Fainga'anuku crossed the whitewash on 13 occasions in as many appearances in the 2023 Super Rugby season and was crowned the top try scorer as he helped the Crusaders to a seventh straight Super Rugby title.

Following the 2023 season with the Crusaders, Fainga'anuku signed an 18-month contract with Toulon where he just started his second season in the Top 14.

He will rejoin the Crusaders in January 2026.

“We’re of course excited to have Leicester come back into the fold here at the Crusaders for the 2026 season,” said Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge.

“He’s an outstanding young man who has continued to show what a remarkable athlete he is during his time in Europe. It was wonderful to connect with him when he joined us to watch the Crusaders play Munster in January and it felt like he hadn’t left.”

Crusaders Head Coach Rob Penney said the move was “fantastic news for rugby in New Zealand”.

“Leicester is a huge asset to any team he is a part of, so to have him back in Christchurch is really positive,” Penney said.