Well done on being a member of the 14th Crusade. You are an important part of our mission and I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you aboard.

Our mission this season is to build on the extremely strong foundations of the Crusaders and to hopefully enjoy even more success. I would therefore like to extend a big welcome to you on behalf of the Crusaders management and players because we can’t achieve that success without your support.

After a few years away playing and coaching in Scotland it is fantastic to be back at the Crusaders and I am thoroughly enjoying the challenge.

The Crusaders are your team and it is an enormous privilege to coach your team.

Myself and fellow coaches Mark Hammett and Daryl Gibson have been planning for this season for many months and the Crusaders squad are among the best we have coached.

They have prepared well for this season, including undergoing some tough pre-season training. We were very impressed with the performance of the players against the Western Force in Perth, a game in which we fought back to win. We also have high hopes for our remaining pre-season matches: against Highlanders in Timaru on Friday, January 30, and an inter-squad hit-out at Rugby Park in Christchurch.

Mark, Daryl and I, along with physical performance co-ordinator Ashley Jones, believe the players are in top shape and are ready to carry on the proud tradition of the Crusaders.

For the rest of the season, you, our passionate supporters and the Crusaders players and management become one: united in our wish for success.

Once again, welcome, and please enjoy the season.

Todd Blackadder
Crusaders Head Coach