Former Southern Kings coach back at the Crusaders

NEWS: Former Southern Kings assistant coach Brad Mooar is making a return to the Crusaders as assistant coach.

Mooar, who signed on until 2026, has an impressive record as a coach since he started his coaching career at the Kings back in 2012. He spent a year with the South African side before heading to Spain where he coached the Independiente Club, an amateur club based in the Cantabrian city of Santander.

The Kiwi then returned to New Zealand where he was part of the Crusaders coaching crew from 2015 to 2019 when they began their unbroken seven-year winning streak.

He was head coach at Scarlets in Wales and then assistant coach of Scotland.

“My family and I are really happy to be back in Christchurch, and I’m really excited to be back. It feels like coming home,” said Mooar, “It’s wonderful to be back in the mix with the players and staff, and I’m looking forward to connecting with the community again”.

Although not having worked closely alongside Rob Penney before, Mooar is already well acquainted with the Crusaders Head Coach from their club rugby playing days as well as both being amongst Canterbury coaching groups.

“Brad has some awesome credentials. He is a quality coach and a quality human being” said Penney, “He has a proven success record and is going to offer the coaching group and the organisation a wealth of experience and knowledge”.

Moaar is also well acquainted with assistant coach, Matt Todd as he was part of the playing squad when Mooar was previously at the club.

“It’s cool to be back working with some superb people that I’ve worked with previously, as well as building relationships with those I hadn’t met before”.