Crusaders vs Highlanders Date/Time: Friday 30 January, 3:30pm NZDT Venue: Fraser Park, Timaru The Crusaders kick off their 2026 pre-season against the Highlanders in a 4×20-minute quarter format. Ethan Blackadder captains the first-half XV, with Finlay Brewis returning from injury at loosehead alongside Manumaua Letiu and Seb Calder.

​https://www.ruck.co.uk/super-rugby-team-news-confirmed-for-pre-season-trial-matches/