A desire for more playing time has seen hooker Ioane Moananu make the difficult decision to end a three-year stint with the Crusaders and sign with the Waratahs for the 2026 Super Rugby season.

The 24-year-old produced several eye-catching performances across 12 appearances during the Crusaders' most recent title-winning run this year, scoring five tries. 

Ioane Moananu explained why he wanted to make the move.

LISTEN ABOVE

A desire for more playing time has seen hooker Ioane Moananu make the difficult decision to end a three-year stint with the Crusaders and sign with the Waratahs for the 2026 Super Rugby season.
The 24-year-old produced several eye-catching performances across 12 appearances during the Crusaders' most recent title-winning run this year, scoring five tries.&nbsp;
Ioane Moananu explained why he wanted to make the move.
LISTEN ABOVE

Every Saturday morning, Lesley Murdoch brings you the best in local, national and international sport.

Previews, reviews, results and reaction from our own backyard, around New Zealand and across the world.

If it’s sport, we’ll cover it ... with a red and black tinge!

All Sport Breakfast with Lesley Murdoch, 7 - 9am Saturdays on Newstalk ZB.

Every Saturday morning, Lesley Murdoch brings you the best in local, national and international sport.
Previews, reviews, results and reaction from our own backyard, around New Zealand and across the world.
If it’s sport, we’ll cover it ... with a red and black tinge!
All Sport Breakfast with Lesley Murdoch, 7 - 9am Saturdays on Newstalk ZB.

All Sport Breakfast Canterbury

Ioane Moananu: Crusaders hooker on his move to the Waratahs

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/0f345cde-4e60-4d3a-a386-b31a0040493d/transcript