Crusaders appoint High Performance Leader
The Crusaders are very pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Smith as High Performance Leader. Smith replaces Steve Lancaster who left the role in December to take up a high performance job with Rugby Canada.
Crusaders CEO Hamish Riach said the High Performance Leader is a key position in supporting the future of the Crusaders and is thrilled to have been able to secure someone of Smith’s calibre and experience.
“Following a thorough recruitment process that involved applicants from around the world, we are delighted to be able to appoint Richard into this role. His experience and knowledge in high performance sport is outstanding and his appointment ensures we have the right people in place to give the Crusaders their best chance of success now and into the future.’
‘Richard brings so much enthusiasm, positivity and valuable skills and experience to the business. The squad and management team are already familiar with him which will help in making the transition as seamless as possible,” Mr Riach said.
Smith will be responsible for leading the rugby performance programme for the Crusaders. This includes recruitment and retention of players, assisting coaches and support staff in their professional development, as well as reviewing and researching other high performance sport environments.
Smith says ‘I am excited about the opportunity and looking forward to taking on the challenge of continuing the great work that Steve Lancaster has achieved over the last 8 years. The Crusaders are a formidable team and I am looking forward to bringing my skills to the role to ensure they can achieve sustained success and be the very best they can be.
Richard Smith joined the Canterbury Rugby Football Union in 2012 as Rugby Academy Manager. Prior to this he was a High Performance Coach Consultant with High Performance Sport New Zealand for 11 years. Smith brings with him a wealth of coaching experience having held a number of coaching roles both locally and nationally, including Canterbury B, Canterbury Colts, NZ Under 19s, and has been a NZ Under 20s selector.
The appointment will be effective from 08 April 2013.
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