Ethan is the son of former All Blacks captain and ex Crusaders' Super Rugby team coach, Todd Blackadder.
Blackadder hails from North Canterbury originally but attended high school at Nelson College and lived up there since.
He joined the Nelson senior B club side in his first year out of college in 2013, when he also captained the Nelson Bays U18 representative side, before progressing to the Nelson club's top side the following year.
He was called into the Tasman provincial team after a stellar club season in 2016 where he co-lead Nelson to the Nelson Bays championship title.
Blackadder made his NPC debut (R4) in September 2017 against Otago in Dunedin and featured prominently throughout the season.
He became a regular starter for Tasman in 2017 as they made their way to the Premiership Final.
In October 2017, Blackadder was one of 7 new signings in the Crusaders squad for the 2018 Super Rugby season.
His exceptional work rate and ability to play at lock as well as loose forward provide useful versatility for the Crusaders in his debut season.
He played in Tasman Makos' 2019 Mitre 10 Cup Premiership victory and has made 44 appearances for the side heading into the 2020 Mitre 10 Cup.
After an outstanding 2021 Super Rugby season Blackadder was named in the All Blacks squad to play Tonga and Fiji in the July Steinlager Series. He made his debut against Tonga at Mount Smart Stadium, coming off the bench in a 102–0 win for the All Blacks - becoming All Black number 1195.
In addition to being awarded Player of the Year in 2022, Blackadder, 27, earned the Champion Crusader Award for the second year in a row, which is the only peer-voted award that recognizes a player’s unselfish commitment to the team atmosphere, both on and off the field.
S.C March 2023
Career
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Tasman Mako Blindside Flanker |
2016 - present |
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Crusaders Blindside Flanker |
2018 - present |
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New Zealand Blindside Flanker |
2021 - present |
