A changing of the guard is coming to the Crusaders with former All Blacks assistant coach Scott Hansen set to grasp the reins next year.
The Herald understands Hansen – a matter of months after his exit from the All Blacks coaching team – has been appointed to lead the Crusaders from next season as head coach Rob Penney prepares to conclude his three-year tenure.
After a horror first season at the helm, where the Crusaders won four of 14 games, Penney retained his post to guide the red and blacks to their 15th Super Rugby championship last year.
Penney signed a one-year extension following that success.
However, after leading the Crusaders to another imminent playoff push following this weekend’s final regular season match against the Hurricanes in Christchurch, the experienced mentor will step aside to pass the baton.
The Crusaders are understood to have approached the highly regarded Andrew Goodman about the prospect of returning home from Ireland, where he holds responsibility for the national side’s backs and attack, but he is content with his role working under Andy Farrell.
Goodman also joined Farrell’s British & Irish Lions coaching staff in their successful Australian tour last year.
That left a head-to-head battle to succeed Penney and assume charge of the Crusaders between fellow former All Blacks assistants Hansen and Brad Mooar.
Scott Hansen at All Blacks training ahead of last year's test against Wales. Photo / Photosport
Hansen and Mooar are indoctrinated in the Crusaders systems and both had their time with the All Blacks cut short.
Mooar was let go midway through Ian Foster’s reign, with the influential Joe Schmidt helicoptered in as his replacement.
Hansen exited the All Blacks earlier this year after Scott Robertson’s ousting, with Dave Rennie preferring Scotsman Mike Blair as his national attack coach.
Mooar returned to the Crusaders as Penney’s assistant coach last season. He is believed to be well liked among the Crusaders camp and has previous head coaching experience with Southland and Welsh club Scarlets.
In 2022, at the start of Foster’s All Blacks tenure, New Zealand Rugby stumped up a hefty compensation fee to prise Mooar from his Scarlets contract.
Former All Blacks attacking coach Brad Mooar (left) and head coach Ian Foster. Photo / Photosport
Other than stepping in for Tony Brown at the now defunct Sunwolves in 2019, Hansen has largely worked as an assistant coach.
He did, however, play an integral role in shaping the All Blacks in 2024 and 2025 as Robertson’s right-hand man.
Hansen worked alongside Robertson for three years (2020-2022) at the Crusaders, too, before his promotion to the All Blacks.
Two months after his exit from the All Blacks coaching team was confirmed, Hansen hasn’t had to wait long to land another high profile position within New Zealand rugby.
While Hansen’s appointment as Crusaders head coach from next season is yet to be officially announced, he is thought to have been internally rubber-stamped more than a week ago.
It is unclear at this stage whether Mooar, who will be disappointed to be overlooked for the top job, will stay on as assistant coach at the Crusaders next year.
Liam Napier is a Senior Sports Journalist and Rugby Correspondent for the New Zealand Herald. He is a co-host of the Rugby Direct podcast.
Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you
Get the iHeart App
Get more of the radio, music and podcasts you love with the FREE iHeart app. Scan the QR code to download now.
Download from the app stores
Stream unlimited music, thousands of radio stations and podcasts all in one app. iHeart is easy to use and all FREE
