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Cape Town - SANZAAR has congratulated Crusaders prop Wyatt Crockett who will set a Super Rugby appearance record on Friday when he lines up against the Sunwolves.
It will be his 176th appearance and it is a remarkable achievement for the All Black forward who will surpass fellow Kiwi Keven Mealamu’s record of 175 matches set in 2015. It adds to his growing list of milestones which include being the most capped Crusader in history. The 34-year- old prop launched his Super Rugby career with the Crusaders in 2006 and he has also made 58 All Blacks appearances since his international debut against Italy in Christchurch in 2009.
SANZAAR CEO Andy Marinos commented: "175 games is a tremendous achievement for a player who is at the coal face of one of the hardest and most competitive rugby competitions in the world. It is a testament to his athletic abilities, mental fortitude and his professionalism that his career has lasted 12 years at this level.
"Wyatt is part of the most successful franchise in Super Rugby history. The Crusaders have won the title seven times including 2006 and 2008, two campaigns that Wyatt contributed significantly to. On behalf of all Super Rugby fans around the world I would like to congratulate him on this milestone and wish him the very best as he pushes the record even further this season."
New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew acknowledged Crockett’s milestone: “Wyatt is a very proud Crusader, having played all his Super Rugby for the team and his provincial rugby for Canterbury. This is a significant achievement for him and his family.
“Wyatt personifies all that is great about our game. He is the ultimate team man and is totally professional in all that he does, on and off the field. He has remained committed to New Zealand Rugby and his loyalty to team and country is an inspiration.”
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson acknowledged Crockett’s massive contribution to the franchise.
“Crocky is the epitome of what we describe around here as a ‘Crusaders man’. Values like loyalty, team first, integrity and work ethic are central to what we ask of our players, and these are all qualities that come as second nature to Wyatt.
“It is entirely appropriate that we are celebrating him becoming the most capped Super Rugby player ever, because you simply would not find a player who shows more commitment, dependability and passion for his team than Wyatt Crockett.”
Super Rugby Appearance Record (as of April 12, 2017):
Wyatt Crockett 175 (still playing)
Keven Mealamu 175
Stephen Moore 171 (still playing)
Nathan Sharpe 162
Ma'a Nonu 160
Liam Messam 151 (still playing)
George Smith 149 (still playing)
Tatafu Poloto-Nau 147 (still playing)
Wise words from Wyatt - who will set the record for the most Super Rugby appearances ever this Fri night! #Crusaderslegend #CRUvSUN #wewill pic.twitter.com/oPA2kFyHUQ
— BNZ Crusaders (@crusadersrugby) April 12, 2017
