Crusaders Appoint Former All Blacks Assistant Hansen as New Head Coach
In a significant move within the rugby landscape, the Canterbury Crusaders have announced the replacement of Rob Penney with Scott Hansen as their new head coach, effective from the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season. This decision was confirmed by the New Zealand team on Wednesday, marking a pivotal transition for the franchise.
Rob Penney, who has been at the helm for three seasons following Scott Robertson’s departure to coach the All Blacks in 2023, is set to step down at the conclusion of the current campaign. His tenure has seen mixed results, as his first year was marked by a disappointing exit from the playoffs in 2024. However, he successfully led the team back to championship form in 2025, securing the Super Rugby Pacific title.
The Crusaders, recognized as New Zealand’s most successful professional rugby team, are currently contending for their 14th championship as they approach the playoff phase of the season, with only one round remaining before the critical matches.
Reflecting on his time with the team, Penney expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “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.”
Scott Hansen, known for his previous role as an assistant coach for the Crusaders, brings a wealth of experience after serving on the staff of the All Blacks under Scott Robertson. This past year, however, saw Hansen depart from the national setup following the appointment of Dave Rennie as head coach.
In a heartfelt statement regarding his new role, Hansen expressed his excitement, saying, “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 No. 25. This is my home.”
