Testimonials
Hear from our Graduates
Being a part of the Canterbury Crusaders Coaching Program has been a tremendous experience for me. This program instilled in me a profound sense of confidence and direction in my coaching through shared experience with both the Crusaders people and my fellow coaches - an experience that keeps growing 12 months on. This network of peers has become a support system, providing ongoing encouragement and collaboration.
Overall, the Coaching Program has been pivotal in my personal and professional development. It has ignited a passion for continuous learning and improvement and given me a reference for growth. The care that the people of the Canterbury Crusaders give is unparalleled - and I will be forever grateful for that. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone aspiring to be an effective and impactful leader.
- Andy Stewart
Attending the [Program Name] a year ago was an incredible experience. The behind-the-scenes access to the Crusaders organisation, from coaches and players to administrators and staff, was unparalleled. This program not only enhanced my coaching skills but also emphasised the importance of a people-first approach both on and off the field. Engaging in open and honest conversations with coaches from all over the world broadened my network and perspective. The knowledge gained has been instrumental in growing my coaching business, hypa, in developing a range of mindset and wellbeing programs for athletes and sports administrators. I am deeply grateful for Grant (Grunter) and the Crusaders organisation for their continued support even after the program completed. For any coach looking to elevate their craft, connect with great people and make lifelong friends in the process, this is the place to be!
- Mark Pereira
Engaging in the crusaders international coaching course in person at Rugby Park has been a pivotal marker in my coaching career. Learning from humble experts in daily sessions, with no holds barred questions allowed our entire cohort to dig deeper than x’ and o’s.
Upon returning to my own rugby environment, I was able to share and implement new knowledge with those around me. We are now producing better rugby players and more importantly better people. The Crusaders international academy is so good, that I had to fundraise and send 5 of our players down to Rugby part to continue our programs learning.
- Andy Evans
It exceeded all my expectations. The most amazing two weeks of personal and professional development I’ve ever experienced. My first thought was why didn’t I do this sooner. A complete insight into all things Crusaders and you just felt so welcome. Never stopped writing notes from start to finish.
- Kevin McCleery
In 2023, I had the pleasure to be invited to attend the Crusaders International Coaches Academy and it honestly exceeded all my expectations. Right from the first email from Course Director Grant Keenan (and subsequently all the participants), the excitement was totally heightened. As soon as the program got underway, it was clear that everyone involved in the course were totally professional, respectful, friendly and welcoming. I believe that every coach that attended gained so much confidence from the course and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
It was very clear that “Sharing” concepts; ideas; programs was the key element to the success of the Crusaders organisation as a whole. The development of Right Relationships through feeling a sense of real “Belonging” is critical to the efficient running of the organisation. In running my rugby coaching company here in Brisbane, these 2 concepts of Sharing and Belonging have been an area of critical development since my attendance at the course. In the various programs that I run in schools throughout Brisbane, I have used the Academy Players mantra of “Learn, Grow and then Lead”. This has assisted coaches in understanding the development of players across age groups – and across players a varying skill levels.
With this professional development program, the aim was not to replicate what the Crusaders do in their backyard but to identify the key elements that would value add to the individual coaches’ programs and environment. This message was a key focus of the course for which I took very seriously.
Since returning home the interaction and messaging between members of our Coaches Group has been extremely beneficial and rewarding. The networking that has occurred since the course in 2023 has been exceptional and continues to this day.
I would highly recommend the course to any coach – of any level – to develop their own philosophy around coaching, organisation and rugby development across all age groups and identities.
- Michael Broad | Next Gen Rugby Coaching