Tabai Matson
Crusaders Assistant Coach Tabai Matson has confirmed that he is committed to his current role at the Crusaders, despite reports linking him with the Blues.
Matson said he wanted nothing more than to help the Crusaders towards the Super Rugby Finals Series this season and he was sorry about any unnecessary distraction that the speculation around his future has caused.
“I love this team and I certainly was not out looking for a new coaching role because I am very happy here. It is true that I was approached by the Blues about whether I would consider a move to their coaching team in the future should the opportunity arise.
“Aside from those initial discussions, nothing further in the way of any formal offer was considered. I made the decision not to take those discussions any further because I am committed to the Crusaders,” Matson said.
“I want to unequivocally assure my Crusaders colleagues, the players and our supporters that I am still as committed to this team as I was at the start of the season, that my heart is still fully in this and that I am looking forward to helping this team go as far as it can go over the remaining weeks of this exciting and close competition.”
Crusaders CEO Hamish Riach welcomed Matson’s re-commitment and said that it would continue to be business as usual for the team as they work hard to climb the ladder into play-off contention.
“We are confident from the conversations that we have had with Tabai that he is as committed to this team as ever. He is an excellent coach and it would be no wonder if his skills were sought after elsewhere, however Tabai has assured us that he is not considering any move to the Blues or any other team at this point in his career.
“We are very happy to have him remain a vital part of this Crusaders leadership team,” Mr Riach said.