Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson says he is “proud” of his time with the club as he celebrates a seventh and final Super Rugby title.
Robertson’s side beat the table-topping Chiefs 25-20 in a brilliant final in Hamilton to hand him yet another title before he leaves the club to take over the All Blacks head coach role next season.
Credit to the Chiefs
The prolific coach credited the Chiefs for the season they put together and admitted the final could have gone either way on the night.
“They would have deserved it and well done. They’ve had a great season and Clayton has put a good squad together,” Robertson said.
“The Chiefs were unbelievable. Their defence was incredible, but it’s small margins.”
“I will enjoy the next few days and will do a lot of reminiscing. I haven’t done any until now,” Robertson said.
A Crusaders legend
Robertson had an extended career as a player with Canterbury and Crusaders making over 150 appearances in total for both. When he turned to coaching he started within the Canterbury structures before taking over the Crusaders in 2017 where he truly excelled.
🏆 Super Rugby’s most successful coach.
Scott Robertson’s coaching career stats! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/jEmFXhy1U6
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) June 24, 2023
His record speaks for itself and the coach underlined his gratitude to the club and is pleased to have finished on a positive note.
“I’m really proud to call myself a Crusader, as a player and a coach. You don’t often get to be successful in both,” Robertson said.
“I’ve been going to Rugby Park for 23 years in a different capacity. I love the game and rugby has given me and my family so much.
“I’m really thankful. To finish on this note makes it even more special because it could have gone the other way.”
“God-like figure”
The coach is not the only one to be departing as veteran lock Sam Whitelock is set to move to Pau in the Top14 after the World Cup. Robertson reserved special praise for the great All Black hailing him as a “god-like figure”.
“He deserves a special mention. He played 80 minutes and wasn’t going to come off. We think he’s an immortal and is a god-like figure to us,” Robertson said.
“He rises every day and for him to have this moment is pretty special.”
Richie Mo’unga is also in the departure lounge with his destination being Japan. Robertson had a special word for his trusty fly-half.
“Richie was sublime. He’s a finals footballer, a genuine, world-class finals footballer. He’s a winner who stays in the fight,” Robertson said.
“We’ll miss everyone. Well, the next two days we’re not because we’re going to make sure they participate heavily.”
READ MORE: Crusaders pay tribute to departing players and coaches after outstanding Super Rugby success
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