Penney staying with Crusaders for 2026
- Dave Worsley
- Jul 30
- 1 min read
Updated: Aug 1
Crusaders Super Rugby head coach Rob Penney has had his contract extended to the end of next season after winning a record 13th title this season.
Penney survived an end of season review last year after the Crusaders failed to make the playoffs in his first year in charge, before helping them back to the top in 2025.
LATEST HEADLINES:
He said he's keen to chase some more history in 2026, though he expects to be without the services of lock Barrett, who he believes will exercise a non playing sabbatical clause in his contract and skip the next Super Rugby season.
Penney was expected to be asked to stay on as Crusaders coach but wanted to make sureit fitted with what he wanted.
"Very humbling and honoured to be to be given another season," said Penney.
"I kind of said right at the start let's wait and see what the fallout was from the season campaign. We wanted to be as assiduous this year as we were last year around the reviews and the reflections just to ensure there were no blind spots.
"I'm really excited the organisation were willing to bear with me for another year."
Penney said he only wanted a short term deal and plans to take it year by year.
