'Time for me to move on': Super Rugby-winning captain announces departure
Crusaders captain and 30-test All Blacks midfielder David Havili has announced his departure from New Zealand to take up an opportunity in Japan.
The 31-year-old, who debuted for the Crusaders in 2015 and went on to play 155 times for the Super Rugby Pacific franchise, said it was a tough decision.
However, he admitted the time is right with the team settled into their new stadium and Scott Hansen taking over as coach in 2027.
“I definitely feel like it’s time for me to move on with the next generation coming through,” Havili said.
“I know that I’ve done everything I can and I’m very proud of my journey and where I’ve come from.
“To be able to live out my dream here for around 15 years and be part of this legacy with some of the best players that have ever come through this club, it’s been an extreme honour.”
Havili, who missed out on the All Blacks squad announced on Monday, was contracted to New Zealand Rugby through until 2027, having only re-signed last year, but it included the option to terminate the final year of the deal.
He didn’t want to disclose yet which Japanese club he had signed for, but did say it is a two-year deal and that he will stick around to play one more NPC campaign with Tasman.
Primarily a centre, Havili also had the capability to play on the wing, fullback and first five-eighths.
In total, Havili won six Super Rugby titles during his time with the Crusaders, most recently in 2025 when he captained the side to victory over the Chiefs.
Havili also brought success to Tasman, helping the Mako win back-to-back NPC titles in 2019 and 2020.
Havili made his All Blacks debut in 2017 and went on to play 30 tests and two tour matches, scoring nine tries. His most recent test was in 2024 against Italy.
“I’m very content,” he said.
“Not a lot of emotion leaving because I know that I’ve done everything I can, and very proud of my journey, where I’ve come from.
“To be able to live out my dream here for over 15 years and be a part of this legacy with some of the best players that ever come through here in the world is an extreme honour.”
Havili is confident the Crusaders will excel under Hansen, although their midfield depth will be tested with Braydon Ennor and Dallas McLeod also departing, while Leicester Faingaʻanuku played in the loose forwards at the end of the season.
“The team’s in a great spot,” Havili said. “With Scott Hansen coming in and strong talent coming through, it’s very exciting.
“There’s a lot of mana around that group and I’m looking forward to seeing what they can do.”
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