Another top player leaves New Zealand rugby
- 15 hours ago
- 1 min read
After seven seasons, Crusaders loose froward Cullen Grace will join Welsh club Scarlets after a final NPC campaign with Canterbury.
The one-test All Black missed Dave Rennie's first squad of the year, and said he felt the time was right to experience a new chapter offshore.
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"I was just a teenager when I came into this environment, so I've grown a lot both on and off the field in my time here. Red and black will always be a part of my life, and I'll miss this place and the people here the most, but I'm excited for this move."
The Hawera-born forward represented New Zealand Secondary Schools, Canterbury Under 19, the New Zealand U20 side, and the Maori All Blacks, earning him All Blacks selection in 2020, playing his sole test against Australia in Brisbane.
Grace said he's looking forward to embracing a new challenge in the northern hemisphere.
"Scarlets is a very proud rugby club with a great history and tradition and that was something that really appealed to me. It is a challenge I am really looking forward to and I can't wait to get started."
Twenty-six-year-old Cullen is one of many with All Blacks experience leaving New Zealand alongside Crusaders Sevu Reece, Braydon Ennor and Dallas McLeod, as well as Blues trio Stephen Perofeta, Dalton Papali'i and Hoskins Sotutu.
