Brad Mooar to coach Fijian Drua after Crusaders departure

By Aroha Ngata — 27 July 2026 — 3 min read

Mooar’s new role with Fijian Drua

Brad Mooar, a former All Blacks assistant and current Crusaders assistant coach, has been appointed as the new head coach for the Fijian Drua. He is set to begin his tenure with the Drua ahead of the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific campaign. This move marks a significant step for Mooar, transitioning into a head coaching role within the Super Rugby Pacific competition.

Mooar’s departure from the Crusaders will create a notable void within their coaching staff. Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge acknowledged Mooar’s contributions, stating that he has earned this opportunity to lead a team. Mansbridge highlighted Mooar’s analytical approach, rugby intelligence, and positive influence within the team environment as key attributes that make him well-suited for the challenge.

The new head coach has signed a two-year deal with the Fijian Drua, a franchise based in Super Rugby Pacific. This agreement will see him leave his current position with the Canterbury-based Crusaders after spending six seasons as part of their coaching setup. Mooar expressed his excitement for the new opportunity with his family, while also acknowledging the sadness of leaving the Crusaders after what he described as two fantastic years.

Contributions to the Crusaders and All Blacks

During his time with the Crusaders, Mooar played a crucial role in the franchise’s sustained success. He contributed to four Super Rugby title-winning campaigns. His involvement included helping the team secure a title in South Africa in 2017 against the Lions, as well as claiming the 2025 championship in their final season at Apollo Projects Stadium. Mooar first rejoined the Crusaders before the 2025 season.

Mooar’s coaching experience extends beyond the Crusaders. He served as an All Blacks assistant coach from 2020 to 2022, working under Ian Foster during that period. He lost his assistant role with the All Blacks in 2022 before rejoining the Crusaders. His background also includes prior coaching roles in various international locations, including South Africa, Wales, and Scotland, indicating this is not his first experience coaching overseas. He also previously worked in Spain.

In a statement, Mooar reflected on his time with the Crusaders, saying, “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.” Colin Mansbridge echoed these sentiments, thanking Mooar for his work and wishing him, his family, and the Drua success in the future. Mansbridge also noted that the Crusaders benefited from Mooar’s sharp sense of humour and positive presence, in addition to his astute rugby mind.

Transition and future outlook

Mooar will remain with the Crusaders for the coming weeks to facilitate a smooth transition. During this period, transition plans will be worked through, and responsibilities will be handed over before his official departure. This arrangement ensures continuity for the Crusaders as they search for a replacement for the assistant coaching position.

There was speculation that Mooar might have applied for the Crusaders‘ head coaching role following Rob Penney’s confirmed departure, but that position ultimately went to Scott Hansen. Mooar’s move to the Fijian Drua represents a new chapter in his coaching career, taking on a leadership role within the Super Rugby Pacific competition.

Mooar’s professional background also includes playing for Mid Canterbury in the 1990s and working as a lawyer. His diverse experience is expected to contribute to his new role with the Fijian Drua. The Crusaders and Mooar have both expressed their intent to stay connected in the future, with the Crusaders looking forward to following his next coaching journey.

Source: 1news.co.nz