Cut by the Chiefs after just one season, Robbie Fruean's improved fitness will see him make a dramatic return to the Crusaders next year.
Centre Fruean will next week be announced as a full squad member of the Crusaders after his impressive showing with Hawkes Bay, who will contest the ITM Cup championship final against Manawatu tonight.
Fruean, 26, has played 11 matches for the Magpies this season, at an average of 79 minutes each - a far cry from the four matches he played for the Chiefs this year following more difficulties with his heart.
The powerful runner had to undergo his second heart operation last year to replace a faulty valve, and moved to the Chiefs after the Crusaders were prepared to offer him only a wider training group place.
He started well for the Chiefs, scoring against his former team in Christchurch in the first match, but later suffered from an accelerated heartbeat which restricted his appearances. Fruean's signing at the Chiefs was made with much fanfare but Sonny Bill Williams' return has helped to squeeze him out and the Crusaders, impressed with the improvements Fruean has made, have swooped once again after first signing him from the Hurricanes for the 2010 season.
