Crusaders coach re-appointed despite semi-final loss

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - Canterbury Crusaders have kept faith with coach Todd Blackadder and given the former All Blacks captain a new contract despite being knocked out of the Super Rugby semi-finals.





The Crusaders were pipped 20-19 by defending champion Waikato Chiefs in the last four on Saturday, prolonging their wait for an eighth title for at least another year.

Blackadder had reportedly been under pressure to deliver the title in 2013 after a series of near misses.

The loss at Waikato Stadium was the Christchurch-based side's fourth semi-final loss in five years under their former captain. They also lost the 2011 final to Queensland Reds.

"Todd is a tremendous coach and inspirational leader and has the full backing of everyone at the Crusaders," chief executive Hamish Riach said in a statement. "We are delighted that he has re-signed to take us into another season."

Riach added that negotiations were at an advanced stage with Blackadder's three assistants - Tabai Matson, Dave Hewett and Aaron Mauger.

"This year was the first year that we have had a coaching resource made up of four dedicated coaches," he said.

"It has allowed the Crusaders a more specialised focus on our defence and attack play and we are pleased with the foundation the coaching staff have developed over the course of this season."

Blackadder replaced Robbie Deans after the 2008 season, the last time the team won the Super Rugby title.

Like Deans, the 41-year-old Blackadder was revered by fans in his home province, leading them to three titles as captain in 1998-2000. All of his assistants also played for the Crusaders and national side.

"As a new coaching group we have learnt a lot this season and I am delighted that the board have shown their faith in us and our ability," Blackadder said.

"I am looking forward to continuing this partnership over the coming season."

(Reporting by Greg Stutchbury; Editing by Peter Rutherford)


Share

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: Reuters


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world