Final Season For Blackadder At Crusaders

Todd Blackadder will step down as Crusaders head coach at the end of next year's Super Rugby season.

Blackadder says next year will be his eighth season in charge of the team, and moving on at the end of 2016 season is the right thing for both him and the team.

While Blackadder has coached the team to four Super Rugby semifinals and two finals, he has been unable to add to the seven titles won before his rein began.

Two finals, sabbaticals, and a homeless season on the road have been the major features of the former All Black captain's time in charge.

Critics have consistently pointed to a lack of titles while Blackadder has been at the helm, but history may treat him a little kinder.

Todd Blackadder says he has no firm plans yet beyond next year's season, and is in no hurry to make any.

The Crusaders say an open and contestable process to appoint a new head coach will begin after next year's Super Rugby season.

They do have some strong options from within with the likes of Dave Hewitt, Tabai Matson, Scott Robertson and Leon MacDonald.

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