Crusaders search for Blackadder's replacement

Crusaders CEO Hamish Riach said the Board had this week agreed to commence the appointment process immediately.

"While we originally signaled that we would wait until the end of the 2016 Super Rugby season to start the process, it has been agreed between myself and the Board that it would be advantageous to open the application process now," said Riach.

"It has always been our intention to keep this process from becoming a distraction to the 2016 campaign, and after discussions with the current coaching and management team we feel assured that we can manage that risk, while also being able to better plan for the 2017 season if we bring this appointment process forward."

Crusaders Chairman Grant Jarrold said: "We want to allow the best opportunity for the best applicants to put themselves forward for this job, and we are also mindful of creating as much certainty as possible for those currently involved with the team.

"We are excited to announce that an open and contestable process to appoint our next Crusaders head coach will begin immediately." 

The Crusaders said they will not be making any further comment on the coach appointment process while the applications are being received and considered