Former All Blacks assistant Scott Hansen returns to Crusaders as head coach, Rob Penney steps down
Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Overlooked by new All Blacks coach Dave Rennie, Scott Hansen is returning to where it all began to take the helm of the Crusaders.
An All Blacks assistant to Scott Robertson for the past two years, Hansen, 50, was named on Wednesday morning as Rob Penney’s successor as Crusaders head coach for the 2027 Super Rugby season.
His appointment on a three-year deal might surprise some people, given Hansen was linked to unfavourable player feedback in some circles when Robertson was sacked as All Blacks coach in January.
However, Crusaders boss Colin Mansbridge rejected that suggestion when asked if he sought information regarding Hansen’s review during the appointment process.
“I know personally that the player feedback, and feedback from some of the other management, about Scott is he's an exceptional coach. He's world leading, is the unanimous feedback coming through from players,” he said.
Hansen also spoke to media for the first time since losing his All Blacks assistant coaching role in March.
He used the words ‘privileged, honoured and excited’ when describing his return to the Crusaders as head coach, having worked as an assistant under Robertson between 2020-2023.
“Adversity, struggle, build you, So, I just took the stance where players go through adversity, they miss out on things. So you make sure you handle it well, too, to represent what you'd expect from your players. No different really for me, it's been a good learning opportunity,” Hansen said of the last few months.
Penney will step down at season’s end after three years at the helm, including victory over the Chiefs in last year’s final.
“It’s been an honour of a lifetime to be the head coach of the Crusaders, but the time is right for me to step away from the role,” Penney said in a statement.
Born and raised in Christchurch, former halfback Hansen played NPC for Canterbury and made a cameo appearance for the Crusaders in their inaugural year in 1996.
He turned to coaching and was hired by Robertson as an assistant for Canterbury in the NPC in 2013 and 2014.
After stints with the Japan national team, English club Leicester Tigers and Japan’s Sunwolves under Tony Brown, Hansen returned to the Crusaders as Robertson’s assistant for Super Rugby title-winning campaigns from 2020 to 2023.
He then followed Robertson into the All Blacks as assistant in 2024 and 2025.
When Robertson and NZ Rugby parted ways in January and Rennie was named as his successor, forwards coach Jason Ryan was the only one from Robertson’s staff to retain his job with the All Blacks.
Said Hansen in a statement: “My family and I are incredibly thankful for this opportunity, and we’re excited to be part of something special.
“I was born in Christchurch, raised in Lyttelton, and I’m Crusader number 25. This is my home and I’m very proud to be given the opportunity to serve the Crusaders and the people of this region again.”
Mansbridge said Hansen was a natural fit for the next chapter of the club.
“Scott sets incredibly high standards and has a deep understanding of the game. He’s proven himself here, at Canterbury, and on the international stage. He brings clarity, discipline and a genuine love for helping people be better.
“We know he’ll thrive in this environment, and we’re proud to see another of our own step up. That continuity and connection to who we are is important.”
Hansen will be the seventh head coach of the Crusaders.
– Additional reporting: Stuff
Most wins by Crusaders head coaches
Scott Robertson (2017-2023): Played 118, won 98*, lost 16, drew 4 (* includes two canned games)
Robbie Deans (2000-2008): Played 119, won 88, lost 30, drew 1
Todd Blackadder (2009-2016): Played 116, won 74, lost 40, drew 2
Rob Penney (2024-2027): Played 44, won 25, lost 19
Wayne Smith (1997-1999): Played 37, won 24, lost 11, drew 2
Vance Stewart (1996): Played 11, won 2, lost 8, drew 1