Outgoing Crusaders Coach Rob Penney’s Uncomfortable Press Conference
Rob Penney, the outgoing head coach of the Crusaders, appeared visibly unenthusiastic during a press conference that lasted just three minutes. The event, which confirmed his successor, was described as awkward and uncomfortable by those in attendance.
Penney expressed his disappointment with the timing of the announcement, as the Crusaders revealed Scott Hansen would be their next head coach on Wednesday. Hansen, a former All Blacks player and Crusaders assistant, will take over from Penney on a three-year deal for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Penney had already informed the franchise two months ago that he would step down after three seasons in charge. However, the Crusaders’ decision to announce Hansen before the end of the season came as a surprise. Penney chose not to comment when asked about Hansen’s appointment.
“I’m a bit disappointed the news is out, but it’s the reality of the situation. So now that it’s out, yeah,” Penney said.
The Crusaders had originally planned to announce Penney’s replacement after the season concluded. However, a report in the NZ Herald forced their hand ahead of the team’s regular season finale against the Hurricanes in Christchurch. This match is crucial for the defending champions, who are aiming to secure a home match in the first round of the playoffs.
Penney addressed several questions from the media before Hansen and Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge took their turn. When asked if his plan was to leave at the end of the season, Penney responded, “It was always in the thinking, yeah.”
He was then asked if he considered staying on as coach. “Not really,” he said.
When questioned about whether Hansen’s announcement could be a distraction, Penney replied, “None.” He was asked if he was sure about this, and he responded, “Yeah.”
Penney added, “The important people were aware, so it won’t be a distraction at all.” He also stated he wasn’t frustrated with the situation. “It’s just part of the process, I guess,” he said.
Penney was more open when discussing his tenure with the Crusaders. Their first season in 2024 ended with them missing out on the playoffs, but he retained his position and went on to win the title last year by defeating the Chiefs 16-12 in the Christchurch final.
“So many memories, but the job is not done yet. We’ve got a few weeks to go and that’s the focus,” Penney said.
He expressed pride in being part of the organization. “It’s been an amazing experience and is everything you expect from an organisation like this. It’s a tiny fraction, a fleeting moment in time, but it’s been awesome.”
When asked about Hansen, Penney simply said, “No comment.” He explained, “It’s inappropriate for me to talk about that. We’ve got a season to finish off here. That’s the focus.”
Penney added, “I would have liked the announcement to be at the end of the competition. It happens… it’s sport, people love a headline. This is another one of those.”
There was a long pause and a blank stare before the press conference ended. Penney concluded with, “Beauty.”
The Crusaders currently sit in fourth place before this weekend’s final round. They can only climb to third and host a home playoff match if they win their game and the Blues lose to the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday night. The Blues are currently in third place with 38 points, two ahead of the Crusaders (36).
