Deans passes the baton
May 31 2008
Departing Crusaders coach Robbie Deans had nominated his assistant coach Mark Hammett as the logical successor.
Following his side's win over the Waratahs in Saturday's Super 14 Final, Deans told the media that he leaves the franchise in good heart and with a ready-made successor to hand.
"Hammer's good to go I believe," said Deans.
"The key with an organisation like this is foundation. Whoever comes in has to understand. He has been a foundation member since day one."
Deans also recommended former Crusaders great, Todd Blackadder, as another whom he believed would coach the franchise at some stage.
"Then you've got a guy like Todd Blackadder. Both of those guys will coach the Crusaders," said Deans.
"It needs to be someone who understands the past and is prepared to be courageous and build for the future.
"I believe we've got some people within the organisation good to go to that end. It's one man's opinion but I believe we've got what we need within.
"Either of those two could do it."
Hammett, who has been Deans's assistant for the last two years, was a foundation Crusader in 1996, playing 81 matches all told for the franchise between '96 and 2003. He also notched 29 tests as a hooker for the All Blacks.
Blackadder, who has had a technical adviser role with the Crusaders since returning from a stint in Scotland, is considered one of the greats to have played for the franchise, though is light on hands-on coaching experience. He will guide Tasman in this year's provincial championship.