[4] Born in Palmerston North in New Zealand's Manawatū-Whanganui region, Funnell grew up on a dairy farm in the small town of Opiki, 15 km to the south-west of his birthplace.

2014 was more of a struggle both for Canterbury, who were knocked out of the ITM Cup by local rivals Tasman at the semi-final stage and for Funnell who despite playing 10 times faced stiff competition for a starting spot from future All Black Codie Taylor.

Aged just 21, he had to be content serving as back up to the more experienced Corey Flynn and Quentin MacDonald and made just a solitary appearance, as a replacement in a match against the Waratahs in Sydney during his first season with the 'Saders.

MacDonald's departure for the Blues in 2013 saw Funnell promoted to second choice hooker behind Flynn and he played 15 times including 3 starts as the Crusaders lost to the Chiefs, 20–19, in the semi-finals.

2016 saw the Crusaders return to the Super Rugby play-offs, finishing 7th once again on the overall log, however due to competition restructuring, this was enough to see them advance to the quarter finals where they went down 42–25 to the Lions in Johannesburg.