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review as a player, Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder said he’d make a good coach and it snowballed from there. With an established pathway for both coaches and players between the Mako and Crusader outfits, it was a natural fit to give back to the teams who have given him so much.

“Tasman was the first region to give me an opportunity as a player and to give back is special.

“The Crusaders Academy does a phenomenal job setting these players up to succeed. There’s some unbelievable talent in this region.”

The next generation of schoolboy players who are set to earn their stripes and progress into the professional game is always rewarding to see, he says.

As for the upcoming Mako season, he’s excited to have another crack for the title with the team again, saying he’s already picked up some “wee nuances of the tactical aspects” from his time at the Crusaders, which he wants to implement.