Former Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder is a stalwart of Canterbury rugby, spending his entire 11-year professional New Zealand rugby career with the red and blacks in the NPC and Super Rugby.

Mr Blackadder played 126 times for Canterbury and 71 times for the Crusaders.

He also gained 12 test caps in the All Blacks jersey.

But unlike Blackadder, Dan Carter will not be a one-club, or one-province man after joining the Blues for Super Rugby Aotearoa.

Mr Blackadder told Martin Devlin he is a big fan of Carter's decision to play north.

He said he does not believe Dan Carter's move to the Blues makes him a traitor to Canterbury rugby fans.

"I think his time was up and the Crusaders have great 10s coming through."

Mr Blackadder believes the Crusaders are still the team to beat when Super Rugby returns in just under a week.

"The Crusades have to be favourites of course, but the Chiefs know that they can beat the Crusaders, the Blues lost to the Crusaders early so they'll be ready. I think this competition is absolutely wide open."