Fainga’anuku set to return to Crusaders in 2026

The Crusaders are excited to confirm Leicester Fainga’anuku will return to the franchise for the 2026 season on a two-year contract.

The 24-year-old was a star of the Crusaders back line since his 2019 Super Rugby season debut. At the end of the 2022 season, he was joint top try scorer for the competition with fellow Crusaders Sevu Reece and Will Jordan.

The 24-year-old scored 13 tries in 13 appearances in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific competition, was crowned the top try scorer and played a big part in securing a seventh straight Super Rugby title for the red and black.

He signed an 18-month contract with Toulon at the tail end of the 2023 season and has just started his second season in France’s Top 14 competition.

Watch Leicester speak about his time at the Crusaders here 

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

“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.”

Rob Penney, Crusaders Head Coach, 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.

“He has plenty of years left to play at the top level, and we’re all very pleased he’s chosen to return to the Crusaders. I’m sure all members and fans will be just as excited as we are to see him run out onto the new turf at One New Zealand Stadium for that 2026 season.”

Fainga’anuku is expected to resume his time behind the green fences of Rugby Park from January 2026.