Rob Penney to replace Scott Robertson as Crusaders head coach

Crusaders have announced that Rob Penney will succeed Scott Robertson as the new head coach ahead of the 2024 Super Rugby season.

Penney had already worked as assistant coach of Crusaders in 2005 before taking over as head coach of Canterbury between 2006 and 2011.

He also held the head coach role with Munster, Shining Arcs and New Zealand Under 20 side before taking in charge of Waratahs in 2019. Nevertheless, his stint with the New South Wales side did not prove fruitful as the club had just one win from six matches in the Covid hit 2020 season before having a winless 2021 season.

The Shining Arcs were also relegated from the Japanese Top League during his tenure as he parted ways with the club to coach Japan's under-20s side this year.

"I'm excited and honoured to have been selected to lead the coaching group at the Crusaders from 2024 onwards," Penney said in a statement released by the club.

"The Crusaders franchise has a strong history and record of success and excellence, both in on-field performance and off-field culture, and I'm excited to immerse myself into the environment."

Penney will join the club on 1st August with Robertson heading to take over from Ian Foster as the head coach of the All Blacks post the World Cup this year.

Join us in welcoming back Rob Penney as Head Coach from 2024 ????

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— Crusaders (@crusadersrugby) June 5, 2023