Crusaders retain head coach Rob Penney despite worst Super Rugby season in 23 years

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Rob Penney has been retained as Crusaders head coach and all of his assistants have been reappointed despite Penney’s first season in charge being the team’s worst in Super Rugby in 23 years and which snapped their seven-year title streak.

Chief executive Colin Mainsbridge said a full review had been conducted into the 2024 season in which the Christchurch, New Zealand-based Crusaders won only four of 14 matches and finished ninth of 12 teams.

Mainsbridge said while the review made more than 50 recommendations, none concerned the coaching personnel and Penney will continue with the full backing of the board, players and back-room staff.

“At a high level (the) worst result since 2001 created sleepless nights, no doubt about it,” Mainsbridge told the Stuff website. “But the margins were probably a little finer when you get into the detail and it would be a knee-jerk to take out a coach as a result of the system they were dealing with.”

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