Ex-All Black stunned by new Crusaders ‘opportunity’ post-retirement
Ex-Crusaders and All Blacks flanker Matt Todd in action during the Japan Rugby League One match between Suntory Sungoliath and Toshiba Brave Lupus.
New Crusaders’ assistant coach Matt Todd is relishing the opportunity to work with the support staff at a relatively young age.
The 35-year-old Todd was appointed assistant coach in June 2023, just a few months after hanging up his boots.
The ex-All Blacks back-rower departed the Crusaders after the 2019 Super Rugby final where the Canterbury-based side defeated the Jaguares.
Crusaders return
He headed to Japan, where he represented Toshiba Brave Lupus under ex-Saders boss Todd Blackadder, but has since returned to New Zealand, taking up an assistant coaching role with Canterbury and now the Crusaders.
“I certainly wouldn’t have thought an opportunity like this would come so quickly. For it to happen, I’m very grateful for that,” Todd told Stuff.
“But I know, at the same time, it’s now about making the most of that opportunity and putting in the work that’s required to live up to the expectations that are required when you’ve got a role like this.”
The Crusaders are the most successful team in the history of Super Rugby. Their first title came in 1998 and they have won 13 more since, including successive Super Rugby Pacific titles in 2022 and 2023.
Desire to improve
With Scott Robertson – who coached the side to six consecutive titles – taking over as the All Blacks head coach next year, the Crusaders are looking to build on their success under Rob Penney.
“The conversations that have been had, the standards that are being driven, the want to get better from the players and everyone is really high,” added Todd.
“I think there’s certainly that hunger and desire to want to get better, and that’s what you need this time of the year. And everyone is open to feedback; they want feedback to learn and want to be challenged and want to grow. It’s pleasing to see.”
Todd will work with several former team-mates, including trio Owen Franks, Ryan Crotty and Manasa Mataele, at the Crusaders.
“I think having some of those familiar faces helps. Having guys you played with, you can kind of lean on them at certain times,” he concluded.
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