Crusaders captain David Havili leaves New Zealand Rugby

After 155 games and eight Super Rugby titles, Crusaders captain David Havili is leaving New Zealand.

The 31 year-old midfielder missed out on the All Blacks squad and has decided to take his talents to Japan.

Havili made his Crusaders debut in 2015 and has no regrets about heading overseas.

“Not a lot of emotion leaving,” Havili said.

“Cos I know that I’ve done everything I can. Very proud of my journey and where I’ve come from.”

The son of former Nelson Bays rugby representative Bill Havili, David was born in Nelson, but raised in nearby Motueka. 

He initially attended Motueka High School in his hometown, but later went to Nelson College, where he was a member of their 1st XV rugby team.

Havili made the Tasman Makos squad in the NPC in 2014 before graduating to the Crusaders wider training group a year later and the full squad in 2016.

He then became an important member of the Scott Robertson-coached team that went on to win seven Super Rugby titles in a row before adding another under Rob Penney in 2024.

In 2017, Havili made his All Blacks debut, scoring a try against the Pumas in Argentina.

He went on to play 32 games for the All Blacks including 30 tests, the last coming in 2024 against Italy.

Havili had signed a two-year contract extension last season with an eye towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

The new deal did come with an exit clause though which Havili has decided to trigger after missing out on the All Blacks squad with Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, and Anton Lienert-Brown preferred.

Havili isn’t the only Crusaders midfielder departing with Braydon Ennor and Dallas McLeod also heading overseas.

New coach Scott Hansen will need a new midfield in 2027 along with a new captain.