Makos signed up for crusade

Five Tasman Makos players can breath a sigh of relief regarding their Crusaders Super 15 aspirations next year.

Kade Poki, Joe Wheeler, Quentin MacDonald, Chris Jack and Ben Franks have already been signed up by super rugby's most successful franchise and coach Todd Blackadder said more Makos players were likely to make the cut by the time his squad is finalised.

For MacDonald, who has missed all of the ITM Cup campaign this year while recovering from major knee surgery, signing with the Crusaders for a second successive season was a big relief.

"It was confirmed last week. I've signed for two years. I had a couple of options, but definitely happy.

"It's what I wanted to do. I wanted to play for the Crusaders.

"It means I don't have to rush back from injury(to prove himself) and that is a big stress off my life."

MacDonald, Poki and Wheeler, all Marlborough-based players, call themselves the "Cobras" and MacDonald joked, "All three Cobras back. They (the Crusaders) are getting a special deal. You sign one and get three."

MacDonald played two matches in last year's Super 14, scoring a try against the Sharks until injury struck.

He said his knee is recovering well and he's now running on it and has done some light contact work at training with the Makos.

"There's a small chance of playing in the ITM Cup this year, but I don't want to rush it."

- The Marlborough Express

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