Fletcher Newell. Photo: Kerry Marshall / www.photosport.nz
All Blacks prop Fletcher Newell has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby and the Crusaders to after the 2027 World Cup.
The front rower will remain in Aotearoa to the end of 2028.
Newell made his All Blacks debut in 2022 and has played 25 tests, scoring one try. He played in all three tests in the recent 3-0 series win over France, starting the first two matches.
Born and raised in Rangiora, Newell joined the Crusaders Academy in 2018 whilst studying towards a Bachelor of Commerce at Lincoln University.
He made his Crusaders debut in 2021.
"I'm extremely grateful to re-sign with the Crusaders, it's a team I grew up watching as a young kid. I've played rugby for as long as I can remember and would come to the games when I was a wee one," Newell said.
"I just love this team, and I wouldn't want to be with anyone else
All Blacks prop Fletcher Newell in action against Argentina. Photo: photosport
"We've got an amazing culture here at the Crusaders; not just the players, but all the management and back-room staff. You turn up every day, everyone wants to work hard for each other, which is one of my values that we all share. I just love coming in every day and working with these guys," he says.
"It means the world to me. Growing up wanting to be a Crusader and now being one, I'm just extremely grateful."
Chris Lendrum, NZR general manager professional rugby and performance said Newell's re-signing was a boost for New Zealand Rugby.
"Fletcher is a young man with a bright future and his success so far is a mark of both his talent and dedication to his craft as he's moved through the high-performance system from the New Zealand U20s in 2019 through the All Blacks.
"We look forward to watching his continued development and progression in coming seasons."
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