Former Wales international Mark Jones has been confirmed as the new defence coach for reigning Super Rugby champions the Crusaders.
Jones has been signed on a two year dual contract and will also oversee the Canterbury attack as coach during the Super Rugby off-season.
Although Crusaders are yet to make an official announcement regarding Jones, the man himself has spoken on the move to Wales online and is delighted to have the opportunity to work in New Zealand.
“It’s a huge opportunity and the welcome I have had in New Zealand has been fantastic. Without being disrespectful to other rugby clubs, the Crusaders are probably regarded as the best rugby organisation in the world. So for them to feel I can add value means a lot. I’m a team defence coach with the Crusaders, while I’ll also be running the attack and the backs with Canterbury in the Mitre Cup at the end of the season. So it’s a dual role that allows me to stay out here all year round. I’ve spent a couple of weeks with them already and they are everything others have said they’d be, with open-minded people who are great off the pitch and smart on it. It’s a unique environment and it’s been a pleasure so far,” he said.
After a playing career in which he won 47-caps for Wales, which was cut short through knee injuries, Jones went on to coach in the Welsh Premiership as well as having stints inside the Wales and Namibia set-ups.
The move has had a bit of backlash from fans with other Super Rugby sides promoting coaches from within New Zealand, with the 40-year-old following on from former Ireland star Ronan O’Gara as an overseas coach.
Either way Jones will be hoping he can help head coach Scott Robertson oversee a fourth successive Super Rugby title win during the 2020 season.
