Fiji born, former Suva winger and Digicel Fiji 7s team player, Patrick Osborne has made his Super 15 dream a reality after coach Todd Blackadder announced his name for next year’s Crusaders squad.

Blackadder has also included four Whitelock brothers in his squad namely, George, Sam, Luke and Adam.

Other members include, 2011 Rugby World Cup reigning All Blacks captain, Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Kieran Read, Robbie Fruean and Israel Dagg.

Meanwhile, Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph sprung a surprise at today’s 2012 squad announcement, confirming English loose forward James Haskell has signed for their Super Rugby franchise.

The Highlanders fielded a strong loose-forward trio last season, but were left exposed by injuries to key players such as All Black Adam Thomson.

The recruitment of Haskell as well as earlier announced signings, All Blacks Tamati Ellison, Hosea Gear and Andrew Hore, had been made to add more depth and experience to the squad.

Other squad members include Jimmy Cowan, Colin Slade and Ben Smith.

The Super 15 season kicks off on February 24th with the Crusaders and the Blues making the first match.


Story by: Selina Navuso