Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has confirmed his plans to stay in New Zealand, announcing this morning he has re-signed with the Canterbury Super Rugby club and New Zealand Rugby until the end of 2021.
Robertson, who has guided the Crusaders to back-to-back titles since taking over two years ago, said it was a "huge honour" to stay in New Zealand.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue to lead a group of incredible players, alongside a coaching staff and management group who are passionate about what we do and the organisation we represent," Robertson said.
"My family and I are really settled here and when my wife Jane and I talked about it, this is ultimately where we wanted to be.
"I had already signalled my commitment to New Zealand Rugby and this 2019 campaign with the Crusaders, but this announcement ensures I can now focus on the task at hand and move forward with certainty around my coaching future."
The Crusaders coach is a credible option to replace Steve Hansen.
New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Tew said the re-commitment was a boost for the game here.
"He doesn’t miss an opportunity to tell me he is our best ever signing," Tew said.
"The Crusaders have enjoyed a very successful period under Razor and their success has been good for rugby in New Zealand.
"Razor’s recommitment to stay in New Zealand is one to be celebrated by Crusaders and New Zealand rugby fans. His energy and passion for rugby is relentless and his outstanding sense of humour is infectious."
Robertson asked media whether they were going to ask him any questions about the Blues clash on Saturday night.
Robertson's long rugby career began when he made his provincial debut for the Bay of Plenty in 1995 before he moved to Christchurch and earned 69 games for Canterbury.
He added 86 Super Rugby matches with the Crusaders soon after and became All Black number 974 in 1998, earning 23 Test caps in four years.
During the same period, he won four Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders - including three consecutive titles from 1998 to 2000.
Robertson wrapped up his career playing overseas at the Ricoh Black Rams in Japan. The Rams was also the starting point for his coaching career.
The All Blacks coach believes Razor has a good support crew around him too.
Life as a coach seemed to come natural to Robertson, who made his way back to New Zealand and became an assistant at Canterbury in 2008, helping the team to five consecutive titles through to 2012. He then took over in 2013 and over four years earned another three titles.
The 44-year-old has also international experience after guiding the Under 20 Baby Blacks to World Cup glory in 2015.
Robertson started his third campaign at the helm of the Crusaders in winning fashion on Saturday night with his men earning a hard-fought 24-22 win over the Blues at Eden Park.
SHARE ME