Sevu Reece to say adieu to Crusaders

Sevu Reece will leave the Crusaders at the end of next season after signing with French side Perpignan.

But Reece will remain contracted to New Zealand Rugby and the Crusaders for the 2026 season. 

The All Blacks winger has been a cornerstone of the Crusaders squad since making his debut in March 2019 against the Chiefs in Christchurch.

He scored two tries and was named man of the match on debut.

His breakout season saw him finish as the top Super Rugby try-scorer in 2019 and earned him an All Blacks call-up. 

The 28-year-old has now spent seven seasons with the Crusaders.

In May this year in front of a sell-out crowd at Apollo Projects Stadium, he scored his 66th Super Rugby try, surpassing TJ Perenara’s previous record.

Reece has also been a Child Cancer Foundation ambassador, dedicating time and energy to community initiatives that have touched many lives. 

Crusaders head coach Rob Penney said Reece’s impact on the team has been immense. 

"The amount of growth Sevu has had in his time in the red and black since 2019 is a credit to his character. 

"While at this club, he’s started his own family, achieved a huge amount of milestones, and helped lead this team to six titles. 

"He’s also on track to earn his 100th Crusaders cap this year, which will be a special way to end his last season with us." 

Reflecting on his journey, Reece said the Crusaders will always hold a special place in his heart. 

"This club has given me everything, and I will forever be grateful for all the opportunities I have had in the red and black," Reece said.

"I’ll miss so many things about this club, but mainly the people – they are what make the Crusaders so special. 

"The friendships I’ve made in my time here will stay with me forever. 

"It’s a bittersweet time and this hasn’t been an easy decision at all, but my family and I are really excited for this next adventure together in France, however, I still have a job to do here. 

"I can’t wait for this season, I’m really hoping I can finish on a high and win one last title, and to do that under the roof at the new stadium will be unreal." 

But it hasn't all been smooth sailing for Reece. Last year he admitted a charge of wilful damage following an incident at a Christchurch party the day after Cup Day in 2023.

The New Zealand Herald reported Reece undertook treatment for alcohol issues and had not had a drink since the day of his arrest.

Reece was granted a discharge without conviction. It was the second time he avoided conviction. In 2018 he was granted a discharge after admitting a charge of common assault on his then-partner.

Speaking outside court last December, Reece told the Herald he was "so, so sorry".

"To the family, I'm embarrassed and so so sorry. And to the fans as well, I'm sorry.

"Lots of positives have come out of this as well. Lots of things I'm working on. It puts things into perspective. I think a lot more clear when there's no alcohol involved.

"I've got great people around me, great support.

"I think it was a great idea to take name suppression off and face it."

Reece is now preparing for his final Crusaders season and his first under the roof at the new One New Zealand Stadium.

-Allied Media