Rebels lure Canadian coach
Crowley has been signed as an assistant coach with the Rebels until the end of the 2017 Super Rugby season.
Crowley brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked with three Super Rugby franchises in New Zealand at some point in time, and won the 2014 NPC as assistant coach of Taranaki – the first time since 1980 [Manawatu] that a team from outside New Zealand’s five Super Rugby base cities has won the competition.
"I resigned from Taranaki this year to take on the role with Canada through to the World Cup, and then the Rebels came and knocked on my door," Crowley explained.
"After speaking with Tony McGahan and hearing where the team was heading, it was clearly too good an opportunity to turn down."
Crowley's strengths are within backline and attack coaching, and in recent seasons he has played a key role in the continued development of exciting young Kiwi talent such as Waisake Naholo, Marty McKenzie and Charlie Ngatai.
Well regarded for favouring an innovative approach to back play, sure to excite Rebels fans ahead of the 2016 season, Crowley is excited about the players he will be working with.
"There’s definitely an exciting mix in the backline – there’s plenty of talented young players and then guys like Tamati Ellison who have been around and have a lot to offer," he said.
"It’s an exciting group with an attacking attitude, and I am looking forward to adding my print to it as well.
"My philosophy as a coach is that team rewards are greater than individual awards, and if a team gathers momentum individuals will get recognised with higher honours."
Rebels’ head coach Tony McGahan said Crowley’s experience and expertise would be a valuable addition to the franchise's program.
"To bring somebody with Leo’s coaching experiences and ambition into the Rebels allows us to continue improving across our program and provide opportunity and points of difference in our staff and playing group."
Crowley’s relationship with his current and previous head coaches sets the tone for a strong working relationship with McGahan; his brother Kieran, a former All Black fullback, is the current head coach of Canada, while at Taranaki he has worked alongside Colin Cooper for the past five seasons.
Cooper is one of New Zealand’s most credentialed coaches, having been at the helm of Taranaki for eight seasons during two spells, as well as leading the Hurricanes for eight years and the Maori All Blacks for their last two campaigns.
"I’m probably Colin’s biggest fan with what he has done for me, bringing me through and helping me develop as a coach, and he’s probably the one who has assisted me the most to secure this great opportunity now," Crowley explained.
Crowley is currently in Canada in his capacity as assistant coach of the Canucks, with their World Cup campaign set to begin against Ireland at Wales’ Millennium Stadium in just over a month’s time.
Gareth Rees, Rugby Canada’s General Manager, said: "Canada is delighted that their attack coach Leo Crowley will be joining the Melbourne Rebels after his involvement in Canada's 2015 World Cup campaign.
"Leo is an important part of our World Cup coaching team and I know his work ethic and innovative methods will be an asset for the Rebels coaching set up."
Crowley will move to Melbourne to assume his role with the Rebels at the conclusion of the World Cup.
