Crusaders appoint Blackadder
July 23 2008
The worst kept secret is out! Todd Blackadder has been named as the successor to Robbie Deans as coach of the Crusaders.
Blackadder, current Head Coach of Tasman in the Air New Zealand Cup, has agreed a three-year deal from 2009 and will be assisted by his former Crusaders and New Zealand team-mates Mark Hammett and Daryl Gibson.
The 36-year-old Blackadder, who captained the Crusaders from 1996 to 2001 and who led the side to three Super Rugby titles, takes charge of the seven-time Super 14 champions following Deans' departure to coach Australia.
Blackadder's coaching career began in Scotland where, after a playing stint, he was appointed assistant coach of the national side in 2003-2004 and was head coach of Edinburgh in 2004-2005.
"I have a passionate desire to keep the Crusaders at the pinnacle of world rugby, to build on the legacy of the past, and to freshen, stimulate and lead the organisation into the future," Blackadder said in a statement on Wednesday.
"Most importantly, I'm delighted that we have been able to put a really strong coaching team together and I look forward to working with Mark, Daryl and the rest of the team in the coming months."
Gibson, who will take charge of the Crusaders back-line, is currently coaching in Scotland, where he has been a player/coach with the Glasgow Warriors.
He also played for Guinness Premiership sides Bristol and Leicester Tigers and made 19 Test appearances for the All Blacks between 1999 and 2002.