Nelson club 5 star for Crusaders

Nelson Club 5 star for Crusaders

Nelson Rugby Football Club members Ethan Blackadder,Tima Faingaanuku (on debut), David Havili, Quinten Strange and Wyatt Crockett following the Crusader's 34-20 win over the Chiefs. Photo: Supplied. 

BY JONTY DINE [Nelson App]

The country’s oldest rugby club celebrated its 150th jubilee in style in Saturday, with five members donning the red and black of the country’s most successful franchise. 

David Havili, Ethan Blackadder, Quinten Strange, Tima Faingaanuku and Wyatt Crockett all ran out for the Crusaders during their 34-20 win over the Chiefs in Hamilton. 

Ethan found himself in the starting side after Mako teammate Jordan Taufua was a late withdrawal with injury while Wyatt Crockett made his record breaking 200th appearance from the pine. 

David shifted from his regular fullback position to second five following an injury to fellow All Black Jack Goodhue. 

It was a seamless transition for the three test All Black who produced a man of the match performance from the midfield,  making ten tackles snatching a pilfer and breaking the line on two occasions. 

The club proudly watched on from its club rooms at Trafalgar Park during the first of many celebrations to mark the club's 150 year anniversary. 

Club players from an array of eras joined volunteers and supporters on Saturday evening to share memories and a dinner featuring guest speaker, commentator John McBeth.

The Super Rugby will enter a three-week break for the June internationals before resuming on June 29. 

The Crusaders will take an extra week off before they restart their campaign at home against the Highlanders on July 6.