Crusaders sign Bateman and Delany for Super Rugby 2018

The Crusaders have injected some significant experience into their backline for 2018, with midfielder Tim Bateman re-signing with the team and first five-eighth Mike Delany also joining the squad.

 
Both players began their Super Rugby careers ten years ago, Bateman with the Crusaders and Delany with the Highlanders, and both have returned to New Zealand rugby after playing a number of seasons overseas.

 
Bateman left the Crusaders in 2010 to play in Japan, then returned for three seasons with the Hurricanes before again heading to Japan in 2014 when his wife required treatment for multiple sclerosis.  In 2017 he made the move back home to Christchurch and played seven games for the Crusaders as the team marched towards the Super Rugby title.

 
Delany, who covers first five and fullback, spent the 2007 and 2012 seasons with the Highlanders and played for the Chiefs in between.  He also earned one cap for the All Blacks in 2009, against Italy in the end of year tour.  Delany has spent the last six seasons playing overseas, for the Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan, then Clermont Auvergne in France, and most recently the Newcastle Falcons in England.  He returned to New Zealand in time to join Bay of Plenty for this year’s Mitre 10 Cup season.

Crusaders Head Coach Scott Robertson says both are incredibly skilled players whose experience will be invaluable to the team.
 
“These are two very important signings for us, because of what they can bring in terms of skillset, versatility, leadership and a wealth of experience. 
 
“Tim was outstanding for us in 2017, both on and off-field.  He is a huge contributor to the group and really helps to set the standards for the team on both a performance and culture level. 
 
“Mike is another player who I know will not only fit in well here but also add to our environment.  He is a world class player who has a handy boot and a great reading of the game,” Robertson said.
 
“Tim and Mike are both playing outstanding rugby for their respective provincial teams, Canterbury and Bay of Plenty, and proving that they still have a heck of a lot to offer New Zealand rugby."