Scott Hansen has been named as Rob Penney's replacement at the Crusaders, returning to Christchurch to take charge of the competition's most successful franchise.
Scott Hansen during a coaching session.
Scott Hansen has been named as Rob Penney's replacement at the Crusaders, returning to Christchurch to take charge of the competition's most successful franchise.
Hansen arrives with All Blacks coaching experience and a defensive specialty, and inherits a squad rebuilding after a period of unusual inconsistency by Crusaders standards.
The appointment continues the club's preference for coaches with deep familiarity with its systems and player pathways rather than outside disruption.
Penney's tenure covered a difficult transition as a golden generation moved on, and the incoming coach faces the same core task: rebuilding depth without surrendering the season.
Players and staff welcomed the clarity of an early appointment, which allows pre-season planning to begin without an extended vacancy.
Greyhound Racing New Zealand chief executive Edward Rennell says the sport is facing a sobering final week, as New Zealand prepares to end commercial greyhound racing from Saturday.
Karin Burger and the Silver Ferns have passed their first major Commonwealth Games test in Glasgow, beating Jamaica 53-48 and ending a difficult run against the Sunshine Girls.
All Blacks assistant coach Tana Umaga says Ireland will arrive at Eden Park without fear next Saturday, putting New Zealand's long unbeaten run at the ground under a sharper spotlight.