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Mooar leaves Crusaders to become Fijian Drua head coach
Sport Nation • July 27th, 2026 11:38 am
Brad Mooar | Photo: Photosport
Crusaders assistant coach Brad Mooar will depart the club after accepting the head coach position with the Fijian Drua for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
Mooar has been part of the Crusaders coaching group across six seasons, contributing to four championship-winning campaigns and playing a key role in the club’s success both on and off the field.
While excited about the new opportunity, Mooar said he was sad to be leaving the Crusaders after two fantastic years.
"I've loved being part of this club and working alongside such great people. Thank you to everyone who has supported me during my time here," he said in a statement.
The relationships I've built here won't change, and I look forward to watching the Crusaders continue to thrive while staying connected to the club in the years ahead."
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Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge said Mooar’s departure would leave a significant gap in the coaching group, but described the opportunity as well deserved.
"Brad has been an outstanding contributor to our club and this opportunity sees him step into a head coaching role that is thoroughly deserved," says Mansbridge.
"As both a coach and a person, there is no one better suited to such a challenge.”
Known for his analytical approach, rugby intelligence and positive presence within the environment, Mooar helped shape some of the Crusaders’ most successful teams.
His time with the club included the Crusaders’ first title win in South Africa in 2017 and, most recently, the 2025 championship victory in their final season at Apollo Projects Stadium.
