'He's a disgrace': Under pressure Crusaders coach sprays journo in foul-mouthed hot mic rant
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It's been a season of tough lessons for under fire Crusaders coach Rob Penney and now he's been hit with another one - always presume the microphone and cameras are still rolling.
Because after a tense and fiery three minute exchange with a 1News reporter, where Penney was clearly losing his patience, or maybe even temper, the under pressure coach was caught out in an embarrassing press conference blunder.
At the completion of Wednesday's media session, Penney was removing his microphone when he vented to Crusaders communications and media manager Jack Fletcher.
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Rob Penney after the press conference. 1News
"He's a disgrace that c---," Penny could be heard telling Fletcher.
"Who is he?"
In an effort to deescalate the situation, Fletcher could be heard telling Penney he would talk to him later.
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Rob Penney during the press conference exchange. 1News
Penney had just faced a grilling from 1News reporter Thomas Mead on matters ranging from how he looked after defeats to should he still be the coach, and did his players want him to remain in charge?
With a 2-10 record for the reigning Super Rugby Pacific champions so far this year, the pressure is building on Penney, who is in the first year of a two year contract.
Crusaders boss Colin Mansbridge issued a statement on Thursday.
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"After the media conference had concluded, a private comment to a colleague was inadvertently recorded on third party microphones, and Rob has since apologised to me for what was said," Mansbridge said.
"On behalf of the Crusaders organisation, I apologise for the comments he made regarding the reporter. I spoke to the reporter today and he has accepted our apology."
Penney has now coached a total of 31 Super Rugby matches with the Crusaders and the Waratahs and has the second worst win percentage of the 71 coaches to have been in charge on that many occasions.
Crusaders coach Rob Penney at Eden Park. Getty
Earlier this season, Mansbridge defended Penney and said he would not be sacked during the 2024 season.
Mansbridge told media he could accept such comments from fans because they are emotionally invested, but hit out at sections of the media for raising the prospect of Penney not seeing out the season.
"From commentators, I think it's childish, frankly," Mansbridge said.
However, at the end of the 2024 season – that will likely come sooner rather than later with the Crusaders almost certain to miss the playoffs – there will undoubtedly be some deep contemplations around the future.
