Trio added to Crusaders training squad

Three-test lock-loose forward Jarrad Hoeata has been involved with the reigning Super Rugby champions as training cover and could benefit from the raft of injuries.

The 34-year-old impressed for North Harbour in this year's NPC, after returning to New Zealand from a three-year stint with the Cardiff Blues in Wales.

Hoeata, Manawatu's Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, who was with the Crusaders last season, and Dylan Nel, who got a taste of NPC rugby for Canterbury, are all training with the side as injury cover.

The Crusaders are facing a pre-season injury crisis in their loose forward stocks with Kieran Read and Tom Sanders out for four months, while Jordan Taufua is struggling following a broken arm. 

That is likely to mean increased pre-season opportunities for openside Billy Harmon and blindside Ethan Blackadder, both in their first season as Super Rugby contracted players.

Crusaders assistant coach Brad Mooar said they were assessing their options for possible loose forward replacements. 

Having Hoeata, a vastly experienced former Chief, Highlander, Taranaki and New Zealand Māori representative, in the mix had been huge for the younger members of the squad, Mooar said.

"Everyone is an option [as a loose forward replacement] and it's great to have Jarrad here.

"Pre-season is not all about 18 and 19-year-olds bouncing up the hill. It's great to have a man like that in the mixer. He's covering for people, who are away or injured at the moment, and again part of the picture of what post-January could look like."

Mooar also revealed halfback Mitchell Drummond had a minor knee clean out on Thursday, but will be back on deck in January.