Christian Lio-WIllie Renews Crusaders Contract

Christian Lio-Willie has secured his future with the Crusaders and signed a contract through until 2027.

The loose forward joined the Crusaders for the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season and played every game of that season – the franchise’s seventh straight title win.

He scored five tries across the 2024 season, and would’ve probably dotted down a few more times if an ankle injury didn’t rule him out for a good chunk of the mid season. Of note were his two against the Melbourne Rebels at home in Christchurch in Round 10.

“I’ve loved every minute of being part of this team for the past couple of years both on and off the field,” Lio-Willie said.

“I’m really excited to take the field with this special group of men and to take the learnings from our season just gone and be better moving forward together.

“I’m also looking forward to making more memories with these brothers that I’ll cherish for life.”

Since his 2023 debut, Lio-Willie has earnt 27 caps in the red and black, and continues to front for Otago in the Bunnings Warehouse NPC – this season as co-captain. He played two matches for the All Blacks XV squad during their July 2023 tour of Japan and was named once again in the XV side in 2024.

It was also confirmed yesterday that Lio-Willie would travel to Japan with the All Blacks as training cover, before linking up with the All Blacks XV in Ireland.

Alongside rugby, Lio-Willie is a registered dentist. To maintain his status he regularly works at a local dental clinic to keep up professional development and not lose his touch.

Rob Penney, Crusaders Head Coach, said Lio-Willie was “a special man who has quickly become an integral member of the Crusaders group”.

“His intellect and work ethic are highly regarded. As he matures his positive influence across the Crusaders is becoming more obvious,” Penney said.

As he continues to fulfill his undoubted potential, the Crusaders will benefit from this for years to come, so to have him commit through to 2027 is fantastic.”