Super Rugby
Crusaders confirm capture of Marty McKenzie
ESPN Staff
July 9, 2015

The Crusaders have confirmed the capture of Marty McKenzie from the Chiefs to join Ben Volavola and Richie Mo'unga in an all-new roster of five-eighths to replace the departing Dan Carter, Colin Slade and Tom Taylor for 2016.

McKenzie was born and raised in Southland before moving to Christchurch to complete his secondary school education at Christ's College, playing in the first XV in both seasons. He returned south to make his ITM Cup debut for Southland in 2011, and he was contracted by the Blues in 2013 and helped Taranaki to ITM Cup Premiership title before he joined his brother, Damien, at the Chiefs for this season. Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder said 2016 would be an opportunity for McKenzie to stamp his mark at the Crusaders.

"One of Marty's strengths is his versatility, with the ability to play almost anywhere in the backline as well as kick goals," Blackadder said. "We see him primarily as a first-five and know that he is keen to get more playing time in that position. He was outstanding at first five for Taranaki last season and, at just 22 years of age, there is plenty of untapped potential in him yet."

Mo'unga was contracted to the full squad after spending a season developing his trade in the Wider Training Group.

"We've been watching Richie develop since he was representing St Andrew's College in the Crusaders region secondary schools competition," Blackadder said. "It was clear then and it still is now that he is a special talent and we look forward to helping him continue to grow his game and build his experience."

Volavola is moving from the Waratahs, with Blackadder saying that assistant coach Tabai Matson had suggested the Australian-born Fijian would be a valuable addition to the squad as an athletic first-five with impressive pace and a handy kick.

"Ben is in Fiji at the moment training alongside Nemani Nadolo to try and earn a spot in the Fijian Flyers Rugby World Cup squad, so he will have at least one familiar face here when he joins us next year and we are sure he's going to fit into our environment really well," Blackadder said.

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