Tabai Matson (pictured) and Aaron Mauger have been confirmed as the Crusaders' new assistant coaches for next season. Photo / Geoff Sloan.
Tabai Matson and Aaron Mauger have been confirmed as the Crusaders' new assistant coaches for next season.
Matson, who took Canterbury to ITM Cup success this year in his first season as head coach, and Mauger, who assisted him, have replaced Daryl Gibson.
Gibson resigned after his role was downgraded
to a defence position. He has since signed with the Waratahs in Sydney.
The process to appoint Matson and Mauger, who will assist head coach Todd Blackadder and forwards coach Dave Hewett, was a long one. It was understood to have been lengthened due to the need to finalise the contract details for Matson and Mauger.
Matson will give up his role as Canterbury coach in order to coach the Crusaders. Mauger will still be involved in the ITM Cup, however, with Scott Robertson likely to take a wider role at Canterbury after his previous duties as an assistant.
