Ryan gets Crusaders coaching job

Editor

The Crusaders have completed their coaching team for next season, appointing Jason Ryan as their Assistant Coach Forwards on a three-year deal.

Ryan will work alongside Scott Robertson as Head Coach, Brad Mooar as Assistant Coach and Leon MacDonald as Assistant Coach Backs.

"We are really pleased to (announce) that Jason has signed up with the Crusaders through to 2019," CEO Hamish Riach told the team's website.

"He has been doing excellent work with the forwards in the Canterbury team for the last five years, as well as for the Black Ferns and New Zealand U20 teams, so we are sure that he will make a valuable contribution to the Crusaders as well."

Robertson said Ryan had worked extremely hard and proven himself with all of the teams he has worked with, so was a well-deserved appointment.

"I have worked with Jase at both Canterbury and NZ U20s level and I admire and respect him as a coach," he said. "He is well-known in New Zealand rugby circles as an expert on scrums and it is a prized skillset that he will bring to the group."

A delighted Ryan said: "This is a huge opportunity for me and it is still sinking in to be honest! I know that it is a big step up to Super Rugby but I am determined to give it everything and make a strong contribution to the well respected legacy of the Crusaders.

"Making the step up with Razor (Scott Robertson) definitely makes it easier. We know each other well as coaches and we already know that we work well together, which should help to make the transition more seamless for everyone. I can't wait to get started."