Former All Black and Crusaders prop Dave Hewett has been appointed as the new Crusaders assistant forwards coach.

Hewett, who has been the Crusaders scrum coach for the past three seasons, said it was an honour to join head coach Todd Blackadder and assistant Daryl Gibson as the Crusaders coaches for the 2011 Super 15.

Hewett added: “It’s an exciting time to be involved in Super rugby and I’m looking forward to it immensely.”

Blackadder said: “The Crusaders scrum was proven to be the best in this season’s competition and a lot of credit for that has to go to Dave. It’s great that he will be with us on a full-time basis from next season.

“Dave is a great character who sets very high standards. He is someone who brings a lot more to the team than his coaching ability.”

A former player development manager with Canterbury and Crusaders rugby, Hewett is also currently working as the manager of the Canterbury team for the 2010 ITM Cup.

Hewett played 22 Tests for the All Blacks, 71 games for the Crusaders, 55 games for Canterbury and eight games for South Canterbury.

He played in Edinburgh, Scotland, for two seasons in 2005/6 and 2007 before returning to the player development role with Canterbury and the Crusaders.