Will Tucker

Will Tucker is a New Zealand back-row forward on the Crusaders' Super Rugby Pacific roster. Born on 16 March 1998, Tucker arrived in Christchurch via the provincial system and has spent his recent seasons working through the Crusaders' deep back-row rotation. Tucker's profile is that of an honest, ground-focused flanker. He is at his most effective in the breakdown trenches — clearing rucks cleanly, competing low over the ball, and chaining defensive efforts across phases. Coaches have valued him as a forward who plays to a defined role rather than trying to expand it, a trait that fits a Crusaders pack built around precision and repeatability. He is similarly tidy in lineout maul work, particularly the unglamorous job of staying connected and keeping drives moving forward. The flanker has cycled between provincial NPC fixtures and Super Rugby Pacific appearances, providing the kind of back-row cover that allows the franchise to manage workloads on senior internationals. With the Crusaders continuing to develop their next generation of forwards behind established names, Tucker represents the kind of experienced squad piece that helps stitch a group together. His next steps will hinge on consistent training performance and converting matchday opportunities into a more permanent place in the Crusaders' starting back row.