The Crusaders said Wednesday they had hired former All Blacks assistant coach Scott Hansen as their new head coach for 2027, replacing Rob Penney.
Penney will have led the Crusaders for three seasons, winning the Super Rugby title in 2025 - the team's eighth title in nine years.
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He will continue coaching the Crusaders through the 2026 Super Rugby playoffs before departing the team.
"I have always been a deeply passionate Canterbury man with the famous Red and Black colours etched into my DNA. When the Crusaders were established, it was a very natural fit for me to have a close connection to them as the values of the Crusaders were born out of Canterbury,” says Penney.
“I have been so very fortunate to be a small part of the Crusaders over the last three years and am very excited as we once again head into a finals campaign with a team very capable of going the whole way. There are too many people to thank, this special place will always be a part of me and my family."
Hansen is a former Crusaders player, featuring in their first season in 1996, and was assistant coach from 2020-2023.
He then stepped up to the All Blacks in 2024, alongside former Crusaders coach Scott Robertson.
When Robertson was fired by the All Blacks in January, Hansen was soon to follow as new coach Dave Rennie selected his own coaching staff.
Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge said Hansen would set "high standards" and praised his "deep understanding of the game."
“He’s proven himself here, at Canterbury, and on the international stage. He brings clarity, discipline and a genuine love for helping people be better," the CEO added.
“We know he’ll thrive in this environment, and we’re proud to see another of our own step up. That continuity and connection to who we are is important.”
Hansen said he was thankful for the opportunity.
"I was born in Christchurch, raised in Lyttelton, and I'm Crusader number 25," Hansen said.
"This is my home and I'm very proud to be given the opportunity to serve the Crusaders and the people of this region again.
