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Live sport on SN this weekendScott Hansen ready to shape a new era for the Crusaders
Sport Nation • October 30th, 2026 9:55 am
Scott Hansen | Photo: Photosport
Scott Hansen is back in familiar territory, but the new Crusaders head coach knows this won’t be a simple repeat of the past.
After returning to the franchise, Hansen is keen to draw on its successful past.
“You take your learnings and your experience around what’s worked well. You add a bit of your own spice. You adapt to the group that’s in front of you around what they need,” Hansen told Sport Nation's Millsy & Guy.
“One of the key things for me to do is to listen, engage and support what we’ve been doing well.”
Hansen is stepping into the head coach role after years as an assistant and in other coaching positions. He said the change has given him a new appreciation for the responsibility that comes with leading a team.
“I had all the answers as an assistant and now I realise I didn’t,” he said.
“Now understanding the head coach role around being quite decisive in the decisions is different.”
The Crusaders will also begin a new chapter at their covered stadium, which Hansen believes gives them the chance to play a more consistent, open style of rugby.
Scott Hansen | Photo: Photosport
“It’s a fantastic stadium that’s built for open running rugby,” he said.
The new environment will bring its own challenge, with visiting teams likely to embrace the chance to run the ball too. Hansen said the Crusaders would need to be ready for that, especially across a run of home games.
There are opportunities for emerging players, particularly in midfield, where Hansen sees a new cycle beginning.
“They’ve all come through the New Zealand system. They’re all New Zealand 20s boys, so now’s their time to grab their opportunity,” he said.
At first five, Rivez Reihana will compete with returning star Richie Mo’unga and James White. Hansen praised Reihana’s development and leadership, but made it clear the jersey will be earned.
“Rich has got to earn it back,” he said.
“Let’s just open the training field and let those tens compete.”
Hansen also provided an update on prop Tamaiti Williams, who is recovering from a serious health issue. Williams is back at Rugby Park, but the Crusaders are taking a careful approach to his return.
“We’re going to walk gently and quietly with him, and do everything we can to get him there,” Hansen said.
“We want to see him in a Crusader jersey next year.”
Listen to the full interview below:
