Hanbury extends Crusaders stay

Rhys Hanbury has signed a three-year contract extension at Crusaders to keep him at the club until the end of 2014.

Hanbury, 25, follows team-mates Paul Johnson, Gil Dudson and Ben Flower in penning new deals at the Racecourse Ground, having forged a successful half-back pairing with Michael Witt this season.

He said: “I’m very settled here and I am enjoying my rugby, so I didn’t take much persuading when it came to signing a new deal here at the Crusaders.

“We’ve got a great group of players here in Wrexham, the club is going places and more importantly, I am happy and I am enjoying playing for the Crusaders.”

Hanbury has scored 17 tries in 28 appearances for the club since his arrival from Wests Tigers midway through last season, making his debut against Salford on April 2nd, and not missing a game since.

Coach Iestyn Harris added: “I think Rhys has been terrific for us. He has really settled in and become part of the squad.

“Rhys is a real leader on the park and  I think the move to the half-backs has really been the making of him. He is always looking to improve his game and Rhys has an important role to play for the Crusaders over the next few years.

“I’m thrilled that he has committed his future to the club for the next three years.”