Crusaders forwards coach Jason Ryan signs long-term deal
Jason Ryan is currently on his fifth season with Crusaders
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Crusaders have announced that forwards coach Jason Ryan has signed a new long-term contract with New Zealand Rugby until the end of the 2024 season.
Ryan started his coaching career with provincial side Canterbury in 2011 as a scrum coach and also as an assistant coach in the 2015 and 2016 seasons. He also worked with New Zealand Under 20 and New Zealand Women's sides in the past.
The 51-year-old joined Crusaders in 2017 and is currently on his fifth season with the club as forwards coach and has helped them claim five consecutive Super Rugby titles. He has also signed a deal with Fiji as an assistant coach under Vern Cotter until the 2023 World Cup.
“I am genuinely very excited about extending my time with New Zealand Rugby and the Crusaders,” Ryan said in announcing the news," he told the club's official website.
“I feel privileged to work alongside such a dedicated group of players, coaches and management, in an organisation that is so driven to be better every day.
"I’m especially looking forward to working with the new crop of Crusaders that are coming through. I’m also truly grateful to have the support of my family, who allow me to continue to do something I love, every single day.”
Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson lavished praise on Ryan and is delighted with his contract extension.
“Jase is a world class coach, who works tirelessly for this team, so it’s great to see him confirm his coaching future with a club that means a lot to him.
“He builds amazing relationships with players and is genuinely committed to setting our young forwards up to succeed.
"I know both the current group, and the next generation coming through, are excited that he’ll continue to share his knowledge and expertise.”
Crusaders are already the most successful team in Super Rugby with 10 titles and have also clinched the Super Rugby Aotearoa tournaments in the 2020 and 2021 editions.
