Ex-Munster boss Penney to take charge at Crusaders

Former Munster head coach Rob Penney has been appointed Crusaders head coach in a major resurrection following his sacking by the New South Wales Waratahs two years ago.

Penney, who was in charge at Munster between 2012 and 2014 and a former assistant coach with the Canterbury side, will have big shoes to fill as he replaces Scott Robertson from August, the man who guided the Super Rugby titans to six championships in the past six seasons.

Robertson is departing the Crusaders to take charge of New Zealand after the World Cup in France.

"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," 59-year-old Penney said.

The Crusaders also announced former All Blacks flanker Matt Todd as an assistant coach, joining Tamati Ellison, Dan Perrin and James Marshall on Penney's staff.

A stalwart of Canterbury rugby, Penney coached the provincial side to four successive national titles from 2008-11, with Robertson as his assistant.

Penney is head coach of Japan's under-20 side and will take up the Crusaders role after the World Rugby Under-20 Championship starting later this month.