Having reaped the benefits of packing down in a scrum between All Black props Wyatt Crockett and Ben Franks during this year’s ITM Cup, 21 year-old hooker Codie Taylor eanred himself a full contract with Todd Blackadder’s Crusaders ahead of the 2013 Super XV competition.
Having grown up in Fielding and Levin, Taylor has thrived since moving South, and was a member of the champion New Zealand Under-20 side which lifted the IRB Junior World Cup in 2011.
Playing his club rugby in the Christchurch Metro competition, Taylor is surrounded by other young players at similar stages in their careers, with the likes of Nepo Laulala, Johnny McNicholl and Tyler Bleyendaal representing the same club.
Although a member of the Crusaders’ wider training group in 2012 it was his compelling form in the ITM Cup later in the year that really made the coaching staff stand up and take notice. The signing of Taylor, along with fellow ITM Cup player Ben Funnell signals the end of Tasman hooker Quentin McDonald’s association with the Crusaders, as the regular understudy to Corey Flynn over the last few seasons heads to Auckland to join John Kirwan’s Blues side.
Robust yet agile, Taylor is an explosive player who consistently makes an impact, and his surprising turn of pace, couple with his natural aggression and love of contact make him a dynamic and dangerous opponent, and a player to watch for the future.