Crusaders name Penney as head coach to replace Robertson

The Crusaders on Tuesday named Rob Penney as their head coach to replace Scott Robertson, who will take charge of the All Blacks next year.

WRAP | Super Rugby Pacific - Round 15

Penney, who is currently at the helm of Japan Under-20s, will take over from Robertson who leaves the Super Rugby Pacific side to coach New Zealand following this year's Rugby World Cup.

"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.

The Crusaders, who host Fijian Drua in the Super Rugby Pacific quarter-finals on Saturday, are currently bidding for a seventh straight title under Robertson.

"I've loved watching the Crusaders this season and will be tuning in to watch the boys as they chase the title once again," Penney added.

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He will join the Crusaders on 1 August after taking Japan's juniors to the world championship in South Africa later this month.

Penney will oversee a Crusaders team without playmaker Richie Mo'unga, who will leave to play for Japanese side Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo after the World Cup, and experienced lock Sam Whitelock, who will join French club Pau.

New Zealander Penney, a former No 8, has had spells coaching Irish province Munster, Japanese club Shining Arcs and the New South Wales Waratahs.

The 59-year-old was released by the Waratahs in 2021 during his second season after losing all of their first five games.

The Crusaders have also named former All Blacks loose forward Matt Todd among Penney's assistant coaches.

The 35-year-old made 140 appearances for the Crusaders, winning three Super Rugby titles, and played 25