Rob Penney to step down as Crusaders coach
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
The Crusaders have confirmed Rob Penney will step down from his role as head coach at the conclusion of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, with Scott Hansen appointed as his replacement from 2027.
“It’s been an honour of a lifetime to be the Head Coach of the Crusaders, but the time is right for me to step away from the role after three seasons,” said Penney.
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He took on the Head Coach role in August 2023, following the departure of Scott Robertson, leading the team into the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.
While it was his first time holding the top job at Super Rugby level, his connection to the Crusaders runs deep.
A proud Canterbury man, Penney spent years playing his rugby in Burnside, notching up more than 100 games for Canterbury from 1985, before later returning to coach both Canterbury and the Crusaders.
He was part of the Crusaders coaching group in 2005 as an assistant coach, helping the team secure their fifth Super Rugby title.
“I have aways 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,” said 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.”
After stepping into the role, Penney led the club with care, humility and an unwavering commitment to people.
Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge says Penney’s impact extends well beyond results.
“Rob is incredibly humble and he always puts others ahead of himself,” Mansbridge says.
“He deserves every bit of credit that comes his way, but he makes it bloody hard for us to give it to him.
“He took on a team in transition, carried a huge amount of responsibility, and stayed focused on growth and development, even through injury disruption early on. The care he showed our players and staff was genuine and consistent.
“We talk a lot about care in sport, but Rob lives it. He talks about love, and he’s shown that every single day he’s been here. That matters, and it will always matter at this club.”
Hansen’s Crusaders story spans decades. He first wore the jersey as a halfback during the inaugural Super 12 season in 1996, earning Crusader No 25.
He later returned to Christchurch as an assistant coach from 2020 to 2023, leading the club’s attack and game planning during one of its most successful modern eras.
During that time, Hansen played a pivotal role in multiple championship campaigns, including masterminding the tactical plan for the Crusaders’ 2022 Super Rugby Pacific final victory over the Blues.
Beyond Christchurch, Hansen has built an extensive international coaching résumé, including roles with the Japanese national team, the Sunwolves, Leicester Tigers, Kobelco Steelers, New Zealand U20s and the All Blacks XV.
He was confirmed as an All Blacks Assistant Coach from 2024, working alongside Scott Robertson and fellow Crusaders alumni.
Mansbridge saidHansen is a natural fit for the next chapter of the club.
“Scott sets incredibly high standards and has a deep understanding of the game,” he says.
“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.
“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.”
For Hansen, returning home carries deep meaning.
“My family and I are incredibly thankful for this opportunity, and we’re excited to be part of something special."
“I was born in Christchurch, raised in Lyttelton, and I’m Crusader number 25. 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.
“This club has experienced sustained success over a long period of time, and that doesn’t happen by accident. We can continue that legacy by turning up every day, learning together, and pushing to be the best we can be. I’m really looking forward to working with this group and moving forward together.”
