Super Rugby champions the Crusaders have started their gruelling pre-season training with hill sprints in Christchurch today.
Among the fresh players in the squad was former All Blacks forward Jarrad Hoeata who has been called in as training cover for the lengthy loose-forward injury list that continues to grow.
The Crusaders have injuries to loose forwards Kieran Read, Jordan Taufua and Tom Sanders.
Hoeata, 35, played three Tests for the All Blacks and returned to New Zealand rugby this year, playing for North Harbour in the NPC.
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