Canterbury assistant Brad Mooar to lead Fijian Drua
Mooar takes on head coaching role with Fijian Drua
Brad Mooar, currently an assistant coach for the Crusaders and a former All Blacks assistant, is set to become the new head coach for the Fijian Drua. This move will see him lead the team for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific campaign. Mooar has signed a two-year deal with the Fijian Super Rugby Pacific franchise, marking a new chapter in his coaching career.
Mooar’s departure from the Crusaders comes after six non-consecutive seasons with the team. During his time with the Crusaders, he contributed to four Super Rugby title-winning campaigns, playing a significant role in the franchise’s success both on and off the field. He rejoined the Crusaders before the 2025 season, having previously served as an All Blacks assistant from 2020 to 2022.
The coaching transition will see Mooar remain with the Crusaders for the coming weeks. This period will allow for transition plans to be worked through and responsibilities to be handed over before his official departure. A replacement for his assistant coaching role with the Crusaders will also be sought during this time.
Impact and legacy at the Crusaders
Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge acknowledged Mooar’s significant contributions to the club. Mansbridge stated that Mooar’s departure would create a notable void within the coaching group, but he also affirmed that Mooar had earned this opportunity to step into a head coaching role.
Mansbridge highlighted Mooar’s qualities, describing him as an outstanding contributor to the club. He praised Mooar’s analytical approach, rugby intelligence, and positive presence within the team environment. Mooar was instrumental in shaping some of the Crusaders’ most successful sides, including helping the franchise secure a title in South Africa in 2017 against the Lions and claiming the 2025 championship in their final season at Apollo Projects Stadium.
Mooar himself expressed his fondness for the club and the relationships he built there. In a statement, he conveyed that he loved being part of the club and working with its people, thanking everyone who supported him. He added that the relationships formed would endure, and he looked forward to seeing the Crusaders continue to thrive while staying connected to the club in the future.
A new challenge and international experience
This move to the Fijian Drua is not Mooar’s first experience with overseas coaching. His career includes previous coaching roles in South Africa, Wales, and Scotland. He also had a coaching stint in Spain. Before his coaching career, Mooar played for Mid Canterbury in the 1990s and worked as a lawyer.
The opportunity to lead the Fijian Drua represents a new challenge for Mooar and his family, who are reportedly excited about the prospect. Mansbridge, on behalf of the Crusaders, extended well wishes to Mooar, his family, and the Drua for their future success, expressing anticipation for the next chapter of his coaching journey.
Mooar’s tenure as an All Blacks assistant coach from 2020-2022 under Ian Foster further underscores his extensive experience in high-level rugby. His analytical and astute rugby mind is expected to be a significant asset to the Fijian Drua as they prepare for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.
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Source: 1news.co.nz
