Crusaders Global Academy evolves as world - class coaching expertise is expanded

The Crusaders are proud to announce the rebranding of the Crusaders International Academy to the Crusaders Global Academy, marking a bold new chapter in the franchise’s commitment to growing the game of rugby worldwide. 

Established in 2008 by Robbie Deans, the Academy has long been a hub for elite player and coach development. 

With over 1,500 players and coaches hosted in Christchurch and 52 rugby clubs impacted globally since its inception, the Academy has become a go-to destination for cutting-edge rugby education and performance excellence. 

“Our role is to improve players’ skillsets, raise their rugby IQ, and help coaches understand what makes the Crusaders environment so special,” says Crusaders Global Academy Manager Grant Keenan. 

“We’re proud to be the only professional rugby franchise offering a Global Academy programme where players and coaches can witness the Crusaders working through their training week in preparation for their upcoming match, and we’re excited to continue growing in this space.” 

A critical aspect to the success of the Global Academy is the quality of coaches who deliver the programme in both New Zealand and around the world. 

“We have exceptional coaches who are involved in our programme from current Crusaders coaches Brad Mooar and Dan Perrin to legends of the game including Reuben Thorne and Kendra Cocksedge,” says Keenan.  

"We are thrilled to confirm that All Blacks and Crusaders legend, Samuel Whitelock recently joined our coaching group in Argentina and made a huge impact on the players and coaches. 

“Ultimately, the true test of any high-performance programme is the results on the field. We have seen some remarkable success from graduates including Oli Jager who made his debut for Ireland, Tyler Duguid, for France against the All Blacks this season along with and Huntley Masterton, currently at Harvard University, who will make his debut for Zimbabwe this year.”  

This new chapter for the Academy reflects its evolving mission: to expand its footprint into new rugby territories and appeal to broader audiences across diverse rugby nations. 

The Crusaders Global Academy will continue to offer immersive development experiences, combining on-field skills with off-field support in areas such as nutrition, hydration, sleep, and individual development preparation – all hallmarks of the Crusaders winning culture. 

Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge says the Crusaders Global Academy is a natural evolution of the Crusaders brand, and it’s only going to keep growing. 

“We are incredibly fortunate to have some of the world’s best players and coaches involved in this programme which is centred around sharing our intellectual property, our values, and our systems with the world. We’re not just growing rugby – we’re growing people.” 

About Crusaders Global Academy 

The Crusaders Global Academy offers a comprehensive programme designed to elevate the performance and professionalism of rugby clubs globally. It provides a unique opportunity to learn from the renowned Crusaders franchise, steeped in winning tradition. 

It offers an 8–18-week player programme and an annual two-week coaching course, featuring presentations from Crusaders and Matatū coaching and management staff. 

In 2025 alone, the Academy welcomed players from 11 different countries and coaches from 10 nations – including first-time representatives from Lithuania, Jersey, and Guernsey. 

Learn more HERE