Head Coach Rob Penney remains at the Crusaders for the 2026 season

Rob Penney will return for next year’s Super Rugby Pacific title defence after his maiden title with the franchise in 2025.

“I’m really excited and humbled to be given the opportunity to work with this great organisation and team again,” says Penney.

“This group is on the cusp of doing something pretty special again and I’m rapt to be a part of it.”

The end of season review process has now been completed, in which Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge says there was a constant theme emerging about Penney.

“Rob uses the term love a lot – he loves this place, loves the environment and loves the players – he comes from this real place of deep care, and I think that’s felt by all of the players,” says Mansbridge.

“The players talked about how much he cared for them and how he genuinely tried to do the best that he could for them.”

Now entering his third season with the franchise, the 61-year-old says it’s hard to sum up the care he has for the Crusaders.

“It’s deeply engrained in me. I spent a long time here as a player before the Crusaders existed and I just love the red and black.” Says Penney.

“The people here make it easy to care because they care – everyone is totally invested and then the players turn up and top it off with their commitment and dedication, it’s an honour to play a little part in it.”