The injury-ravaged Crusaders have had their SOS answered by a retired 36-year-old former Top 14 and New Zealand Sevens star.

On Tuesday, the Crusaders confirmed the signing of outside back Toby Arnold on a short-term deal as an injury-replacement for Welsh fullback Leigh Halfpenny.

Arnold hung up his boots in November after a 16-year professional career that saw him represent New Zealand on the sevens circuit, as well as Bay of Plenty and Lyon.

The 36-year-old spent 10 seasons with the Top 14 side, scoring 75 tries in 232 total appearances to finish as Lyon’s top try-scorer.

Arnold will provide cover for Halfpenny, after the Wales centurion suffered a chest injury during his maiden game for the defending Super Rugby champions.

Under new head coach Rob Penny, who took over from All Blacks coach Scott Robertson, the Crusaders have made their worst start to a Super Rugby season, losing all four of their opening fixtures, while All Blacks Will Jordan, Scott Barrett, Braydon Ennor, Tamaiti Williams and Ethan Blackadder have all suffered injuries.

Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images

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