Crusaders captain David Havili departs for Japan after 155 caps and eight titles

David Havili is leaving the Crusaders after 15 years, 155 caps, and eight Super Rugby championship seasons, the 31-year-old confirming he will take up a contract in Japan following the 2026 campaign. The departure ends one of the most decorated careers in the competition’s history.

Havili debuted for the Christchurch club in 2015 and went on to become just the eighth player — and the first back — to captain the Crusaders, following a lineage that includes Richie McCaw, Kieran Read, Sam Whitelock, and Scott Barrett. He started at fullback in four finals and at second five-eighth in three, missing only the 2023 decider through injury.

“I definitely feel like it’s time for me to move on with the next generation coming through. The legacy is in great hands,” Havili said. “I’m very content. I know that I’ve done everything I can and I’m very proud of my journey and where I’ve come from. To be able to live out my dream here for around 15 years and be part of this legacy with some of the best players that have ever come through this club, it’s been an extreme honour.”

Havili singled out the 2024 title — won in his first season as captain — as the highlight of his career. “To go from 10th into 2024 to winning another title and being back where we belong and sending off Apollo Stadium with a 32–0 record, that was probably the highlight of my career — leading this team to a title, and I’m just so grateful that Penz gave me that opportunity.”

His exit is well-timed from a personal standpoint but leaves a significant gap in the Crusaders’ midfield. Havili is the third centre to confirm a departure following the 2026 season, joining fellow All Blacks Braydon Ennor, who is heading to Perpignan, and Dallas McLeod, who has committed to Exeter Chiefs. Leicester Fainga’anuku’s positional shift from midfield to the loose forwards adds further depth concerns.

New head coach Scott Hansen will inherit a squad in transition, though the club has young options in reserve. Recent U20 graduate Cooper Roberts impressed on debut in the final regular-season round, Chay Fihaki has centre experience, and prospects Aki Tuivailala and Toby Bell are already in the official squad.

Havili, a 32-cap All Black, said it was the relationships he would miss most. “It’s the people I’ll miss the most. The banter, travelling with the boys, those connections. Everyone cares about the jersey and has a common goal,” he said, adding his thanks to fans, the organisation, and past and present players.