Crusaders decides Penney's fate

NEWS: The Crusaders have made a call on head coach Rob Penney’s future following their worst campaign in 23 years.

The Canterbury based side will stick with Penney for the 2025 Super Rugby season following an independent review.

Following seven straight titles under former head coach Scott Robertson – the Crusaders finished ninth on the table out of 12 teams in the 2024 season – marking it their worst campaign since finishing 10th in 2001.

Chief Executive Colin Mansbridge said independent reviews of the season contributed to more than 50 recommended changes, but replacing Penney wasn’t amongst them.

“Rob’s got the backing of the board and he’s got the backing of the players,” said Mansbridge.

The Crusaders have suffered losses of experienced campaigners such as Richie Mo’unga and Sam Whitelock who took up stints at overseas teams while enduring a torrid run of injuries.

“At a high level, our worst result since 2001 created sleepless nights, no doubt about it,” said Mansbridge who acknowledged fans’ frustrations.

“Should our fans be gutted about where we ended up? Absolutely.”

Sacking the coaches “and throwing grenades into a system which produced 14 championships over 26 years” would be like “killing the golden goose,” he added.

“I think the story of the Crusaders in the final next year would be pretty outstanding and that’s what we’re banking on.”