Digby Ioane

Digby Ioane quits Crusaders

Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson said Ioane and the Crusaders had reached a mutual decision that staying in Japan was best for the 32-year-old.

Ioane, who earned 35 caps for Australia from 2007 to 2013, played just three Super Rugby games for the Crusaders in 2017, scoring one try against the Western Force.

His season was hampered by hand and hamstring injuries and he was unable to win back his place with Seta Tamanivalu and George Bridge in good form on the wings. 

Crusaders sign former Wallabies winger

RNZ reports the New Zealand-born, Australian-raised winger already has played 86 Super rugby matches, mostly for the Queensland Reds between 2008-2013.

Ioane, who's played 35 tests, has since played for the Stade Francais in France and is about to return to his second season with the Honda Heat in Japan.

"I have had a great time playing in France and Japan, but the opportunity to be part of a New Zealand Super Rugby team is too good to pass up," said Ioane.

The recently appointed Crusaders Coach Scott Robertson said Ioane was a key signing for the team.