Report: Scott Hansen to succeed Rob Penney as Crusaders head coach in 2027

Former All Blacks assistant coach Scott Hansen, Scott Robertson’s right-hand man, is reportedly set to succeed Rob Penney as Crusaders head coach in 2027.

Liam Napier from the New Zealand Herald is reporting that Hansen has been appointed as the successful Super Rugby Pacific franchise’s new head honcho.

Hansen, who was relieved of his role as All Blacks assistant coach in March, will take over the role from Penney, who last year signed a one-year extension after their 2025 triumph.

The former Crusaders assistant could return to the franchise he helped guide to multiple Super Rugby Pacific titles, after spending two years as one of the lead assistant coaches for the All Blacks.

Hansen is without a role since leaving the All Blacks earlier in 2026, and was reportedly in a battle with current Crusaders and former All Blacks assistant Brad Mooar for the coveted role.

Mooar returned to the Canterbury-based franchise last season and has previous head coaching experience with Scarlets in Wales and Southland.

Mooar was part of Ian Foster’s coaching group before being replaced by Joe Schmidt midway through the Rugby World Cup cycle.

Napier’s report suggests Penney will hand over the role to Hansen at the conclusion of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, and that internally, the decision has been made for over a week.

The Crusaders also reportedly approached former Crusaders assistant coach and current Ireland attack coach Andrew Goodman to return to New Zealand, but the 43-year-old opted to remain under Andy Farrell at Ireland.

When the newly named assistants were appointed alongside Dave Rennie earlier this year, New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Lancaster said that it was a difficult time for Hansen and the previous assistants.

“We acknowledge that this has been an uncertain period for people and that there are some difficult farewells as part of the process. I want to pay tribute to the service that Scott Hansen, Tamati Ellison and Bryn Evans have given to the black jersey.

“They have each made important contributions to the team and I know they have all got a lot more to give as world-class coaches. The way they have conducted themselves throughout is testament to the outstanding professionals and good people they all are.”