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Onwards and upwards for Crusaders

Thursday 24th July 2008

King of teh castle: Blackadder is ready to build on the Crusaders' legacy

Newly appointed Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder says he will not be intimidated by the legacy of success that predecessor Robbie Deans helped create with the New Zealand franchise, who have won seven of the thirteen Super Rugby titles contested since 1996.

The baton has been passed from one franchise legend to another with the former All Blacks captain succeeding Deans, who led the Crusaders to their fifth Super Rugby title under his stewardship this year before crossing the Tasman to take charge of the Wallabies.

Blackadder, 36, has been appointed for three years, with Mark Hammett and Daryl Gibson as his assistants.

All three were founding members of the Crusaders in 1996, all three played for the All Blacks and all three are in their 30s and still cutting their teeth in the coaching ranks.

Blackadder served a term as the Crusaders technical advisor this year, but feels he has what it takes to continue where Deans left off.

"I know he (Deans) created a real legacy but I see it as an opportunity for us to get in there, build on the legacy of the past and take it forward," said Blackadder.

"There is a real culture and history of success here so we do have to make sure we get all our ducks in a row to put a team together with the right culture and leadership so that we can perform.

"There will be absolutely no lack of trying, no lack of effort; we will do everything we possibly can to maintain the team's proud record and build on the past."

There is no question Blackadder and his assistants will be under intense pressure to extend the franchise's extraordinary record of success.

"We will set our own agenda with our own expectations and we will go out there to do our very best. That's all you can ask."

The former Crusaders skipper, who began his coaching career in Britain, including a term as Scotland's assistant coach, said he felt deeply honoured when he learned his application for the job had been accepted.

"It still really hasn't sunk in," said Blackadder, whose playing career for the franchise ended in 2001.

"It was such an honour and a privilege to be a player (for Crusaders) and after all these years to come back and coach the Crusaders is an honour.

"I'm just absolutely excited and delighted to be part of the Crusaders once again, but in a different role."

He is delighted with the coaching team around him at the Crusaders.

Hammett, who was Deans' assistant this year and sought the top job, will coach the forwards while Gibson returns from a playing and coaching stint in the United Kingdom to oversee the backs.

Blackadder admitted the coaching team as a unit were young in years.

"I'd like to think there's some old heads on young shoulders," said Blackadder.

"The first person I wanted to be involved in this coaching team was Mark Hammett; he's a good forwards coach and is very technically sound."

Blackadder's appointment throws in doubt his future role with Tasman, who he is coaching in the Air New Zealand Cup this season.

He said his continuing role with Tasman was unresolved at this stage.

"There is going to be a transition but we have yet to discuss that," added Blackadder.

"As far as I know I will continue to coach Tasman through to the end of the season but we have yet to have those discussions."