From high-performance player to coach

Jack Malcolm

Dan Perrin is still riding the Crusaders high after being an integral part of the Super Rugby championship-winning side.

Having arrived back in town last week ahead of taking charge of the Mako as cocoach for another season, the Mad Butcher Stoke owner says he’s already looking forward to re-entering the “vortex” of high-performance sport.

“It was an awesome drive (home) yesterday. I stopped at Maruia to get a coffee and reflect on the last six months. “Being in that coaches box was unreal. The emotions from the highs and lows of that game. I’ve been in the environment for four-or-five years, but for the forward pack to be mine, that exceeded expectations, it’s always been a dream.”

Having followed a grassroots pathway into coaching after his playing career, he says it’s rewarding to see the fruits of his labour.

“I started here with Wanderers second grade team ... but I kept chipping away at my trade. Everyone has aspirations and goals and for a young coach, I want to be a great coach. I want to leave a legacy through loyalty and hard work.”

Dan says to be able to coach under future All Blacks coach Scott Robinson, who many call Razor, was a blessing.

“Razor ties it all together ... his first words to me was ‘the forward pack is all yours, I trust you’. That gave me the confidence and belief, I got to back myself. I 100 per cent definitely felt the pressure. But that pressure is a privilege that comes with the job title.”

As a hooker by trade, Dan was predictably proud of the way the Crusaders’ maul worked this season, leading the league in tries while not conceding any themselves. Having spent his time as a player for both the Crusaders and Mako, Dan says it’s exciting to now be leading the teams in the coaches box.

He says, during his last game