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Origin I LIVE from 9pm tonightHansen confirmed to succeed Penney as Crusaders head coach
Sport Nation • May 27th, 2026 8:30 am
Scott Hansen | Photo: Photosport
Rob Penney will step down as Crusaders head coach at the end of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, with current All Blacks assistant Scott Hansen appointed as his successor 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,” Penney said.
A former Canterbury centurion and Crusaders assistant coach, Penney took charge following Scott Robertson’s departure in 2023, leading them to the Super Rugby title in 2025.
Crusaders coach Rob Penney | Photo: John Davidson/Photosport
“I have aways been a deeply passionate Canterbury man with the famous Red and Black colours etched into my DNA," Penney said in a statement.
"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.
“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."
Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge praised Penney’s leadership and influence on the club.
“Rob is incredibly humble and he always puts others ahead of himself,” Mansbridge said.
“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.”
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The Crusaders have confirmed former player and assistant coach Scott Hansen will take over from 2027.
Hansen was part of the club’s coaching staff from 2020-23 before joining Scott Robertson’s All Blacks setup.
“Scott sets incredibly high standards and has a deep understanding of the game,” Mansbridge said.
For Hansen, the appointment marks a 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 No. 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.”
