All Blacks back and new Crusaders captain David Havili. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
All Blacks utility back David Havili is the new Crusaders Super Rugby captain.
Havili takes over from All Blacks skipper Scott Barrett, with the Crusaders coach Rob Penney deeming it too demanding for the lock to hold both roles.
All Blacks captain and Crusader Scott Barrett. Photo: Photosport / Jeremy Ward
"It's very humbling. I was pretty blown away when Penney approached me," Havili said.
"This is certainly the proudest moment I have had for a while. The Crusaders are all about community and I love this team."
Penney is confident Havili will become a great captain.
"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," Penney said.
Havili has played 128 games for the franchise since debuting in 2015. He was named vice captain in 2020 and has long been part of the Crusaders leadership group.
The 30-year-old, who plays mostly in the midfield, also captained his provincial side Tasman to victory in the 2019 and 2020 NPC seasons.
He has captained the Crusaders on a temporary basis before years when Barrett was unavailable for selection.
Returning to Crusaders training week after his fifth All Blacks end of year tour, Havili will lead the franchise next Friday in their first pre-season game against the Blues at Kirwee Rugby Club.
The son of former Nelson Bays rugby representative Bill Havili, David was born in Nelson, but raised in nearby Motueka.
Havili was called into the All Blacks for the 2017 Rugby Championship squad as an injury replacement and made his test debut against Argentina in Buenos Aires scoring his first try on debut at the 81st minute.
He has played 30 tests for the All Blacks scoring nine tries.
