Transfer News: Former All Blacks coach returns to Crusaders

“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,” Penney said.

Penney was appointed head coach in August 2023 following the departure of Scott Robertson, taking charge ahead of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

Although it was his first opportunity as a Super Rugby head coach, Penney’s ties to the Crusaders and Canterbury rugby stretch back decades.

A lifelong Canterbury rugby figure, Penney played more than 100 matches for Canterbury after debuting in 1985 and spent much of his club career at Burnside.

He later returned to the region as a coach, including a stint as assistant coach with the Crusaders in 2005 when the side claimed its 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.

During his tenure, Penney was recognised for his people-first approach and leadership style, guiding the club with humility and commitment.

The Crusaders have also announced Scott Hansen as Penney’s successor for the 2027 season.

Hansen’s history with the franchise dates back to the inaugural Super 12 competition in 1996, when he played halfback for the Crusaders and became Crusader No. 25.

He later returned as an assistant coach between 2020 and 2023, overseeing the team’s attack and strategic planning during one of the club’s most successful eras.

He played a key role in several title-winning campaigns, including helping design the tactical blueprint for the Crusaders’ 2022 Super Rugby Pacific final victory over the Blues.

Hansen has also built an extensive coaching résumé internationally, with roles involving the Japanese national side, the Sunwolves, Leicester Tigers, Kobelco Steelers, New Zealand Under-20s and the All Blacks XV.

In 2024, he joined the All Blacks coaching group as an assistant under Scott Robertson. For Hansen, the appointment marks a meaningful return home.

“My family and I are incredibly thankful for this opportunity, and we’re excited to be part of something special,” Hansen said.

“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.

"The proud history and tradition of the Crusaders has always been built on our culture and the people both on and beside the field. We will balance being true to the past and honouring tradition while also having our eyes on the future.

“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.”