Bloody hell, I go away on long term sabbatical and the first thing I have to write about when I return is that Southland have come to Christchurch and beaten our young fellas up and stolen the Ranfurly Shield!

Well I guess it could have been worse, at least the shield is staying in the south, and both teams have made the semis which they both deserve. We'll look forward to seeing Southland again in the final!

Todd Blackadder let's Jules get his hands on the Super 14 and NPC trophies!

As some of you may know our Chief Rugbyhead Jules has been going through a rough time in the last few months, having been diagnosed with Leukemia in early November. He is currently nearing the end of treatment though, with a transplant due to happen on Saturday that hopefully will provide the cure.

As a special treat his sister Hannah organised a visit from Toddy and some of the girls from the CRFU.

As well as sorting him out with a bunch of Crusaders stuff (caps, posters, a scarf) they had a really good chat about all sorts of things including showing him Rugbyheads! Toddy thought it was a hoot, especially your's truely.

He invited Jules and his boys down to the training ground to visit the team, an offer that I'm sure will get taken up once Jules is out of hospital and on the road to recovery.

Cheers Toddy! You are a legend!