Crusaders keep faith in Blackadder
Head coach Todd Blackadder has re-signed with the Crusaders for another season while contract negotiations with assistant coaches Dave Hewett, Tabai Matson and Aaron Mauger are in the final stages.
Crusaders CEO Hamish Riach said that the Crusaders Board are fully behind the coaching team.
"We are delighted to re-sign Todd for another season and to be in advanced conversations with all three assistant coaches. This year was the first year that we have had a coaching resource made up of four dedicated coaches.
“It has allowed the Crusaders a more specialised focus on our defence and attack play and we are pleased with the foundation the coaching staff have developed over the course of this season.
"Todd is a tremendous coach and inspirational leader and has the full backing of everyone at the Crusaders. We are delighted that he has re-signed to take us into another season," says Riach.
Blackadder joined the Crusaders as head coach in 2009 and since then has taken the side into four semifinals and a Final.
A former All Black and Crusader, Blackadder had an illustrious career consisting of 25 All Blacks games including 14 as All Black captain.
As captain of the Crusaders he is the only Super Rugby captain to ever have lifted the Super Rugby trophy three times (1998, 1999 and 2000).
Prior to being head coach at the Crusaders, Blackadder held a number of coaching roles with Scotland and Tasman.
Blackadder said that he is excited about continuing his partnership with Crusaders coaching staff and the organisation.
"As a new coaching group we have learnt a lot this season and I am delighted that the Board have shown their faith in us and our ability.
“Within our management team we have some amazingly enthusiastic, positive and experienced people and it is a pleasure to be able to work with them.
“I am looking forward to continuing this partnership over the coming season to make this Crusaders team the best it can be."
