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Christchurch - According to espnscrum's website, the Crusaders have have signed a one-year contract extension with coach Todd Blackadder.
The Canterbury franchise were eliminated from the Super Rugby competition after losing to 20-19 to the Chiefs in their semi-final in Hamilton on Saturday.
Blackadder joined the Crusaders in 2009 after the departure of Robbie Deans and has led them to four semi-finals and a final.
Crusaders CEO Hamish Riach reaffirmed his faith in the coach.
"We are delighted to re-sign Todd for another season and to be in advanced conversations with all three assistant coaches," Riach said. "This year was the first year that we have had a coaching resource made up of four dedicated coaches.
"It has allowed the Crusaders a more specialised focus on our defence and attack play and we are pleased with the foundation the coaching staff have developed over the course of this season.
"Todd is a tremendous coach and inspirational leader and has the full backing of everyone at the Crusaders. We are delighted that he has re-signed to take us into another season."
Blackadder said he was looking forward to coaching the Crusaders in 2014.
"As a new coaching group we have learnt a lot this season and I am delighted that the board have shown their faith in us and our ability," Blackadder said. "Within our management team we have some amazingly enthusiastic, positive and experienced people and it is a pleasure to be able to work with them.
"I am looking forward to continuing this partnership over the coming season to make this Crusaders team the best it can be."
The Canterbury franchise were eliminated from the Super Rugby competition after losing to 20-19 to the Chiefs in their semi-final in Hamilton on Saturday.
Blackadder joined the Crusaders in 2009 after the departure of Robbie Deans and has led them to four semi-finals and a final.
Crusaders CEO Hamish Riach reaffirmed his faith in the coach.
"We are delighted to re-sign Todd for another season and to be in advanced conversations with all three assistant coaches," Riach said. "This year was the first year that we have had a coaching resource made up of four dedicated coaches.
"It has allowed the Crusaders a more specialised focus on our defence and attack play and we are pleased with the foundation the coaching staff have developed over the course of this season.
"Todd is a tremendous coach and inspirational leader and has the full backing of everyone at the Crusaders. We are delighted that he has re-signed to take us into another season."
Blackadder said he was looking forward to coaching the Crusaders in 2014.
"As a new coaching group we have learnt a lot this season and I am delighted that the board have shown their faith in us and our ability," Blackadder said. "Within our management team we have some amazingly enthusiastic, positive and experienced people and it is a pleasure to be able to work with them.
"I am looking forward to continuing this partnership over the coming season to make this Crusaders team the best it can be."
