Oli Jager signs new Crusaders deal, aims for All Blacks
Irishman Oliver Jager has set his sights on becoming an All Black after agreeing a new contract with the Crusaders until at least 2022.
The prop, who initially moved to New Zealand seven years ago as a back-rower, made his Super Rugby debut in 2017 and has gradually become a key part of the squad.
Despite some interest in bringing him back to Ireland, Jager has committed to the Christchurch outfit and is now targeting an international call-up.
“There was a little bit of interest coming over from Europe,” Jager told reporters. “This is my first choice. I have my life here and don’t really see myself going anywhere else. Nor do I want to.”
“New Zealand is my number one pick. I want to get a starting role with the Crusaders but in the long run I have thought about (becoming an All Black). It’s something I would love to do.”
Crusaders coach Jason Ryan is delighted that they have been able to keep hold of the gargantuan tighthead for at least the next two years.
“It is such a big signing for the Crusaders to be able to lock Oli in for the next few years,” said Ryan. “He has an unbelievable story coming over here in 2013 as a number eight to play a bit of club rugby.”
Irish tighthead Oli Jager just came off the bench and stepped in as play-maker for the Crusaders.
Nice reverse pass on the run. Tadhg Furlong-esque.
The @NaasRFC man won the Junior Cup (2011) & Senior Cup (2013) with Blackrock and also played with the Ireland U-18 Schools team. pic.twitter.com/kRZiJrQxwt
— Cian Tracey (@CianTracey1) April 12, 2019
Jager moved to New Zealand with ambitions of featuring in the back-row but Ryan and the coaching staff recognised that he could make a successful transition to prop.
“I was working with the academy guys and this big Irishman kept hanging around our scrum sessions,” Ryan continued. “To play tighthead prop we had to completely rebuild his whole body, which he has done, but he has come a different route to most tightheads.
“It hasn’t been easy for him. He’s had a couple of tough injuries with his knee and his back as he grew into a man, but he was already a big lad.
“It’s a great story to tell because it’s a different one. Oli he has worked extremely hard, he’s made big sacrifices. I know he has thought through his training that it is not worth it, but he stuck at it.
“You haven’t got a good scrum if you haven’t got a good tighthead prop. We rate him as being one of the great Crusaders. We look forward to seeing his career develop.”