Jack Goodhue headlines trio of Crusaders penning new deals

The Crusaders have announced a trio of re-signings made for the 2020 Super Rugby season with All Blacks midfielder Jack Goodhue headling the signings.

Goodhue joins lock Mitchell Dunshea and flanker Billy Harmon in re-committing to the franchise for next season.

23-year-old Goodhue made his test debut last year and has earned seven caps for the All Blacks to date as well as having made 37 appearances for the Crusaders since his debut for the club in 2017.

Goodhue's commitment to the Crusaders his a huge boost for the franchise who will be without Ryan Crotty and over All Blacks next season.

The likes of All Blacks Owen Franks (Northampton), captain Sam Whitelock (Panasonic Wild Knights), Jordan Taufua (Leicester), Kieran Read (Toyota Verblitz), and Israel Dagg (retired). are all set to leave the Crusaders along with Crotty next season.

Goodhue’s debut campaign in 2017 was also Dunshea’s first season in Super Rugby, although the 23-year-old lock only had three caps to his name coming into 2019.

The second rower has become a more regular fixture in the Crusaders line up this season. Flanker Billy Harmon was first named in the Crusaders squad last year following a string of standout campaigns in the Mitre 10 Cup for Canterbury.

Harmon has featured three times for the Crusaders this year and could be in line to replace fellow openside flanker Matt Todd who is yet to announce his playing future beyond 2019.

Goodhue, Dunshea and Harmon join 11 other players to re-commit their services to the Crusaders next year, including Codie Taylor, Richie Mo’unga, Scott Barrett, Joe Moody, George Bridge, David Havili, Mitchell Drummond, Michael Alaalatoa, Whetu Douglas, Ethan Blackadder and Oliver Jager.