Bath snap up Crusaders centre Fruean

Crusaders centre Robbie Fruean will join up with his former coach Todd Blackadder after agreeing to play for English Premiership club Bath.

Fruean will join Bath after he has completed his commitments with Hawkes Bay in New Zealand’s Mitre 10 Cup.

A physically imposing centre or wing, 28-year-old Fruean has represented both the Hurricanes and the Chiefs in Super Rugby, as well earning over 60 caps for the Crusaders.

Commenting on the move, Fruean said: “Whilst my focus for the time being is still on the Mitre 10 Cup with Hawkes Bay, I’m really looking forward to getting over to Bath and getting started. It will be a new challenge for me – the Aviva Premiership is such a tough league, but Bath have had a good start, and I know that being over there and competing in it will bring out the best in me.”

In 2007 he represented New Zealand in theU19 Rugby World Championship, and was named the IRB World Under-19 Player of the Year. A dynamic, impactful player, he is renowned for bringing both speed and power to the pitch.

“We are really excited that Robbie has agreed to join us here at Bath,” said Todd Blackadder, the Club’s Director of Rugby.

“Tabai and I know him very well from his time at the Crusaders, and he is the kind of player we know will fit right in with the squad we have here, both on and off the field.”