Canterbury stalwart Rob Penney to be new Crusaders coach

Former Waratahs and Canterbury coach Rob Penney is the next Crusaders coach.
Photo: Clay Cross

Rob Penney has been confirmed as the new Crusaders head coach, while Crusaders centurion Matt Todd will join as an assistant.

Penney replaces the outgoing Scott Robertson, who takes over as All Blacks coach after this year’s World Cup, while Todd takes over from the departing Scott Hansen, who will be an All Blacks assistant under Robertson.

Penney’s assistants for the next Super Rugby season will be Todd, Wellington Lions head coach Tamati Ellison, former Super Rugby player James Marshall and current forwards coach Dan Perrin.

“I’m excited and honoured to have been selected to lead the coaching group at the Crusaders from 2024 onwards,” Penney said.

The existing coaching group was “strong and confident” and he looked forward to taking his position, Penney said.

Penney coached the NSW Waratahs from 2019 through to 2021 during a tumultuous time for the club and is currently head coach for the Japan U20 side who head to South Africa for the World Rugby U20 Championship from 24 June, where a number of current Crusaders are playing in the New Zealand squad.

“The Crusaders franchise has a strong history and record of success and excellence, both in on-field performance and off-field culture, and I’m excited to immerse myself into the environment.”

Before Penney became a coach, he was a stalwart player for Canterbury.

A loose forward, he debuted in 1985 and played more than 100 games for the region before hanging up his playing boots in 1994.

As a coach, he was assistant with the Crusaders in 2005 when they won the Super Rugby title and went on to lead Canterbury to four NPC titles in a row between 2008-2011 – with Robertson as one of his assistants.

He was head coach of the New Zealand U20 side in 2012 before taking over as head coach at Irish club Munster where he led the side to the semi-finals of the European Cup in 2013/2014.

He left Ireland in 2014 to take up a three-year deal with the NTT Shining Arcs in Japan.

“While I’m excited to get started, my focus for now remains firmly with the Japan U20 side. I’ve loved watching the Crusaders this season and will be tuning in to watch the boys as they chase the title once again,” Penney said.

Crusaders board chairman Grant Jarrold said Penney stood out from other candidates for his experience, his maturity, and his back-to-back success record.

“Rob impressed us with his leadership qualities, his experience, and his proven ability to innovate on and off the field,” Jarrold said.

“Our existing coaching group is experienced and has an intricate understanding of the Crusaders way. As a board, we are excited about Rob’s ability to add to this group and guide both our coaches and our playing group to success.”

Penney will join the Crusaders from 1 August.