Donnelly becomes a Crusader

Published: Thursday, 1. September, 2011 in category Southern Hemisphere

All Blacks lock Tom Donnelly will move from the Highlanders to the Crusaders for the next Super Rugby season.

Donnelly, who has played 15 tests, has signed a one-year contract with the Crusaders who are about to lose veteran All Blacks locks Brad Thorn and Chris Jack to Japan.

After battling injuries, Donnelly struggled to sustain a place in the Highlanders' starting XV last season, edged out by Josh Bekhuis and new All Black Jarrad Hoeata.

The 29-year-old had established himself as a regular in the All Blacks second row in 2010, and the move to the Crusaders could aid his attempt to resurrect his Test career.

The Crusaders were beaten by the Reds in the final of last seasons' Super Rugby competition.

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