Franchise misses out after Jordan signs with Crusaders until 2022

Crusaders fullback Will Jordan eases through a tackle. Photo: Getty Images
Crusaders fullback Will Jordan eases through a tackle. Photo: Getty Images
The Highlanders have missed out on fullback Will Jordan.

The Crusaders announced yesterday they had signed Jordan through to the 2022 season.

Jordan (21) has played eight times for the Crusaders this year, scoring eight tries.

Both the Blues and the Highlanders were believed to be pursuing Jordan but he has decided to stick with the Crusaders.

Jordan has plenty of competition in the outside backs at the Crusaders, with All Blacks David Havili and George Bridge vying for places, along with youngsters Sevu Reece and Braydon Ennor.

But having been brought up in Christchurch and followed the Crusaders as a youngster, Jordan obviously felt drawn to his home franchise. He plays for Tasman in the Mitre 10 Cup. He missed all of last year's Super Rugby competition because of concussion issues.

The Highlanders are losing both first-choice fullback Ben Smith and back-up Matt Faddes to overseas clubs after this season. Smith is joining Pau in France, while Faddes is going to Ulster in Northern Ireland.

Josh McKay, who will make his first start at fullback this year, has one year left on his deal. McKay has been bothered by a groin injury in the past few weeks but was picked ahead of Faddes for last night's match.

The Highlanders are expected to name new players for next season in the next couple of weeks.

The Crusaders also confirmed yesterday hooker Andrew Makalio had signed through to 2021.

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