A homegrown Crusaders playmaker has opted to sign for Edinburgh and will head north at the end of the domestic season in New Zealand.
Canterbury announced that scrumhalf Louie Chapman will be leaving after signing a two-year deal with the Vodacom URC club.
“This opportunity is a really exciting one for me. It’s a new challenge in my career that I’m really looking forward to,” Chapman said.
A product of the Canterbury system, the 25-year-old captained Christchurch Boys’ High and progressed through the Crusaders Junior Knights and development structures, before fulfilling a childhood ambition when he made his Super Rugby debut in 2023.
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“Growing up in Canterbury, it’s every schoolboy’s dream to play for the Crusaders,” he said. “It’s been a journey I’ll never forget, but now it feels like the right time for a new chapter.”
Chapman also qualifies to represent Scotland through his grandmother.
“It’s something that makes this opportunity even more special. There’s a strong family connection there and hopefully I can make her, and the rest of my family proud.”
Crusaders coach Rob Penney added: “Louie is a great team man and someone who gives everything to the environment. He’s been a loyal servant to this club, and he deserves all the opportunities that will come his way in Edinburgh.”
Photo: Joe Allison/Getty Images
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