Earlier this week, Crusaders and All Blacks hooker George Bell re-signed with the Christchurch-based franchise through to 2028, securing his long term future with the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific champions.
Bell, who came back from injury late in the 2025 season, has been seen by the All Blacks coaches as a future prospect in the No.2 jersey, putting faith in him last season on the 2024 end-of-year tour.
The 23-year-old hooker has played three Tests for the All Blacks, making his debut in San Diego against Fiji, before featuring twice more on the end-of-year tour.
Bell’s Super Rugby Pacific debut came in 2022, scoring a try on the same night, as he did on his All Blacks debut.
The three-Test All Black explained on a Crusaders statement that he just enjoys playing for the team.
“First and foremost, I just love this team, the organisation and what it stands for. I really enjoy coming in each day and I’ve got a lot of good mates in this team so that definitely contributed,” said Bell on his contract decision.
“For my development as a rugby player, the Crusaders is the place where I want to be, learning off some of the best.”
As Bell grew up in Otago, he admits he wasn’t the biggest fan of the team in red and black.
“I grew up disliking the Crusaders quite a bit to be honest. But once you’re in here and you see what it’s about and you experience the environment, it’s pretty easy to switch sides,” said Bell.
“I just love being able to see my mates every day and go to work with them each day, I’m really grateful to be able to do that.”
Like many who are signed with the Crusaders, Bell is excited to play in the new stadium in Christchurch, which will open officially in 2026.
“It’s going to be unreal when that is open next year. 16,000 at Apollo Projects Stadium made plenty of noise, so I’m pretty excited to see what 30,000 people can do.
“The location is pretty special too, what it will do for our city is going to be amazing, people will really get around us.”
