All Black Scott Barrett will captain a Crusaders team shorn of experience when they chase another Super Rugby milestone next year.

Coach Scott Robertson named Barrett to succeed fellow-lock Sam Whitelock as skipper of the ultra-successful Kiwi side who could become the first team to snare four successive titles if successful in 2020.

It will be a challenge for Robertson, who must cater for the loss of three Test centurions from his pack – Whitelock, Kieran Read and Owen Franks – to overseas club contracts, along with other All Blacks Ryan Crotty and Matt Todd.

Whitelock’s absence is for next year only, having been granted a six-month sabbatical to Japan before returning to New Zealand to potentially replace Read as All Blacks captain in the July series against Wales.

Barrett was a deserved recipient of the team’s player of the year in 2019 and a natural leader, Robertson said.

“Scott has a phenomenal work ethic, and produces consistent performances for the Crusaders,” Robertson said.

“He’s well respected by his teammates, as well as the coaching and management group, has great character and helps drive our team culture.”

Among 12 players listed as newly contracted is winger Sevu Reece, who did enough in his maiden campaign to burst onto the Test scene.

Reece wasn’t named in last year’s initial Crusaders squad before going on to score a competition record-equalling 15 tries.