Canterbury Rugby Head Coach Alex Robertson has confirmed his assistant coaching group for the 2026 NPC season, finalising a team that brings together deep Canterbury connections, elite playing experience, and extensive international coaching expertise.

Robertson will be supported in 2026 by assistant coaches James Lentjes, Ryan Crotty, and Dan Cron.

“I’m really proud of the group we’ve brought together for 2026,” Robertson said.

“Each of these coaches brings something unique, but they all share a strong connection to Canterbury and a genuine commitment to developing our players and our programme. It’s a coaching team built on trust, experience, and a shared vision for where we want to take Canterbury rugby.”

‍James Lentjes – Assistant Coach

Lentjes brings a wealth of high-performance coaching experience to the group, built across provincial, Super Rugby, and international environments. He joined the Canterbury coaching setup during the championship-winning 2025 season and has since continued to grow his impact within the pathway.

His coaching résumé includes time as Defence Coach for the Utah Warriors and his current role with the Crusaders XV, alongside his recent appointment as an Assistant Coach of the New Zealand Under 20s- a reflection of his rising influence at national level.

‍Ryan Crotty – Assistant Coach

A proven leader at the highest level of the game, Crotty brings invaluable high-performance insight to the Canterbury environment. A 48-Test All Black, he represented Canterbury 85 times and made 156 appearances for the Crusaders across a distinguished playing career.

Currently part of the Crusaders coaching group, Crotty joined the Canterbury coaching team during the 2025 championship season and continues to play a key role in reinforcing standards, strengthening connection, and embedding a winning culture.

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Dan Cron – Assistant Coach

Canterbury-born Dan Cron has recently returned home following a distinguished 20-year coaching career, both domestically and internationally. After his playing career was cut short by injury, he transitioned into coaching and has since worked around the world at the highest levels of the game.

His career highlights include involvement in six Rugby World Cups, winning Super Rugby in 2016, claiming the Japan Top League title in 2022 with Kubota, and securing the Super Rugby Aupiki championship in 2023 with Matatū. He has also held key roles with the Black Ferns and the Tongan national team.

Cron brings a strong passion for developing players and coaches, particularly in front-row and forward play, and adds extensive international experience to the Canterbury programme.

Beyond their high-performance experience, the 2026 coaching line-up also carries strong ties to grassroots rugby in the region. James Lentjes developed his game with Leeston, St Bede’s College, and the University of Canterbury, while Dan Cron came through Suburbs and Christchurch Football Club. Ryan Crotty started his rugby journey at New Brighton and Shirley Boys’ High School, and Head Coach Alex Robertson brings coaching experience from Darfield and Lincoln University. These local connections ensure the team remains deeply linked to the pathways and communities that underpin rugby in Canterbury.

Canterbury Rugby Chief Executive Tony Smail said the confirmed coaching group reflects both the organisation’s recent success and its future direction.

“Following an incredibly successful 2025 season, we’re excited about the coaching group Alex has assembled as we look ahead to 2026,” Smail said.

“With the move into One NZ Stadium, it’s an important moment for Canterbury Rugby. This group brings together home-grown talent and leaders who have achieved success on and off the field, and who understand what it means to represent red and black. We know they’ll build on what’s been established and create an environment that brings out the best in our players and our people.”

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