Sabbatical-bound Scott Barrett likely to miss Super Rugby next year
Senior lock Barrett is expected to activate a non-playing sabbatical clause in his contract – much like All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor did in 2024.
Penney and Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge today confirmed Barrett's situation – although not his final decision which will likely come via an All Blacks' announcement.
'I'm pretty certain he'll do something and he's earned the right,' Penney said.
'That big body of his has been knocked around for the Crusaders and the All Blacks for a long time now.
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'As Codie did 18 months ago, I suspect he'll have a good break. He deserves it and it will be up to other people in the group to step up. When Scooter is ready we'll welcome him back with open arms.'
Barrett, 31, a veteran of 81 Tests, is recovering from a calf tear suffered in his side's first Test win over France in Dunedin this month.
He is likely to be available for the first Rugby Championship Test against Argentina in Cordoba on August 17.
Taylor has credited his extended break last year as a big factor in his form at the age of 34 and there is little doubt that Barrett, hindered by injury over the past couple of years, would also benefit from one.
Crusaders head coach Rob Penney celebrates with the Super Rugby Pacific trophy last month. (Source: Photosport)
Barrett admitted during the season that his form was not where he wanted it to be and with 10 Tests remaining this year, including a potentially gruelling Rugby Championship which will include an improved Australia, plus a 'grand slam' against Ireland, Wales, England and Scotland, time off next year will be an alluring prospect.
Fellow senior All Blacks Rieko Ioane (Leinster), Anton Lienert-Brown (Kobe) and Ardie Savea (Kobe) have already announced playing sabbaticals next year.
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Penney said he expected locks Antonio Shalfoon, Jamie Hannah, Taylor Cahill and Liam Jack, the nephew of former All Blacks and Crusaders lock Chris, to fill the void left by Barrett.
After taking the franchise to its 13th championship following a disastrous first year in 2024 when they failed to make the playoffs, Penney said there was little doubt in his mind that he wanted to continue.
'I love coaching and I love this group and organisation… this will be me. When it's done it's done,' he said in an apparent reference to not wanting to coach elsewhere at this level.
Asked about the grand final victory over the Chiefs last month, Penney said he had watched only one replay of the game.
'It's actually not the last game that I reflect on – it's the whole campaign and how it came to fruition,' he said.
'It was the small moments – the previous year we couldn't win a small moment. This year we won them through the depth and courage the players had and sometimes you get the rub of the green.'
Another motivating factor for staying on will have been Christchurch's new central-city covered stadium Te Kaha, due to be completed on April 18 and potentially hosting a first Crusaders game on Anzac weekend.
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'That hasn't gone unnoticed... It's a great thing for this wonderful region and in particular Christchurch city after what it's been through – the opportunity to get on the grass inside that beautiful coliseum… it will be a great occasion,' Penney said.
Mansbridge said: 'If it's Anzac weekend and you want to open with a bang there's no other place in New Zealand you'd rather be.'
Penney and Mansbridge confirmed assistant coaches Brad Mooar, James Marshall, Dan Perrin and Matt Todd would remain for next season and that the Crusaders had only about "three or four" positions to fill on the playing roster which would come via the NPC.
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