Mitch Drummond believes the secret to the Crusaders success is dress-up parties, and tomfoolery.

The 31-year old halfback would know – he’s played 150 games and won 8 titles with the Champion side.

He spoke to a crowd of 170+ on Friday and, amid multiple cheeky plugs for his pubs, the Famous Grouse and The Little Brown Jug, highlighted the Crusaders’ culture as the main reason for the club’s success. “And having good cattle obviously helps,” he said.

The focus on having fun and building the relationships between the players has been crucial to the side’s success and Drummond told the Club it was something the senior players instilled in the youngsters from day one.

He talked fondly of his brief All Blacks career with a tinge of ‘what might have been’ and the impact sharing the 9 duties might have had on his career.

“It’s hard, I don’t think it helped either mine or Bryn’s [fellow Crusader’s halfback Bryn Hall] career, but it was the best thing for the Crusaders so it was the right thing to do.”

Drummond opened up and spoke bravely about the impact negative social media criticism had on him and the steps he’s taken to help him.

The new Dad also revealed he’s back for a 13th season involved with the Crusaders in 2026, the side dreamed of playing for as a youngster.

He’ll be part of the side’s Wider Training Squad next year where his highly rated ability to bring the best out of those around him, will continue.

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