Crusaders stick with coach Penney after woeful Super Rugby season

The Crusaders were ninth of 12 teams in Penney's first season in charge and missed out on the playoffs after winning seven straight Super Rugby titles up to 2023 under Scott Robertson. It left 2024 as their worst season since finishing 10th in 2001. Chief executive Colin Mansbridge said independent reviews of the season contributed to more than 50 recommended changes, but replacing Penney was not among them. "Rob's got the backing of the board and he's got the backing of the players," said Mansbridge.