In his debut role as captain, David Havili led the Canterbury Crusaders to a decisive 41 – 7 victory over the Otago Highlanders in a trial test in Wanaka, Otago a week ahead of the first round of the 2020 Super Rugby season.

The 25-year-old fullback was announced to captain the team last week by Crusaders coach Scott Robertson, as the regular captain and All Black lock Scott Barrett was rested for the trial. This latest achievement is another notch higher in Havili’s leadership experience, who has captained the Tasman Makos in New Zealand’s provincial tournament since 2018.

Havili is one of the most experienced players in the Crusaders team, having played 76 games since 2015 during which he scored 22 tries. He has five caps for the All Blacks, but has not worn a black jersey since 2017.

Havili is of Pākeha and Tongan descent and is the son of former Nelson Bays rugby representative Bill Havili, David was born in the town of Nelson on New Zealand's South Island, but raised in nearby Motueka.