7:28pm, 06 June 2019

Star Crusaders fullback Will Jordan has confirmed his Super Rugby future by signing a new a new three-year deal with the Crusaders.

ADVERTISEMENT

The re-signing of the 21-year-old ends speculation of a potential move to the Highlanders, who are looking to replace departing long-time, France-bound fullback Ben Smith.

Although currently out of action due to a foot injury, the former 2017 World Junior Player of the Year nominee has been in spectacular form for the Crusaders in his debut Super Rugby campaign, scoring eight tries in as many appearances.

Jordan adds to the impressive depth within the Crusaders’ outside backs stocks, which this year has included George Bridge, David Havili, Israel Dagg, Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Manasa Mataele, Leicester Fainga’anuku and Ngani Punivai.

In an announcement made on social media on Friday, Jordan will be joined in Christchurch next year by teammate and hooker Andrew Makalio, who has been retained by the Crusaders through until 2021.

The back-to-back reigning Super Rugby champions, who host the Rebels in their final regular season match of the year on Saturday, now have at least 19 players confirmed to be locked in for next year, including including All Blacks Codie Taylor, Scott Barrett, Richie Mo’unga, Jack Goodhue, Mitchell Drummond, Havili and Bridge.

ADVERTISEMENT

In other news: