Leinster raid Crusaders to source a replacement for Contepomi

Leinster have announced a replacement for departing assistant coach Felipe Contepomi, signing another former player of theirs, Andrew Goodman, from the Crusaders for the start of the 2022/23 season. It was a decade ago when the Kiwi midfielder was first snapped up by the Irish province, spending two years playing in Dublin after joining from Tasman.

A Celtic League and Challenge Cup winner, Goodman went on to finish his overseas playing career with a pitstop in Japan before a farewell NPC appearance coincided with him becoming head of the Nelson College academy in 2015. He joined the Tasman coaching team the following year before graduating to the head coach role.

During the Crusaders’ successful 2018 and 2019 Super Rugby seasons, Goodman assisted with team defence and individual technical development. He was promoted to the role of backs coach in 2020 and although now committed to the Manu Samoa national side through to the 2023 World Cup, the 39-year-old Goodman will return to Dublin to fill a vacancy created by Contepomi’s decision to leave Leinster and link up with his native Argentina.

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With injury curtailing his second season playing at Leinster, Goodman only made a total of 17 appearances during his two-year stay but he made a good impression on then-teammate Leo Cullen which wasn’t forgotten. “Andrew was unlucky with injuries when at Leinster, especially in that second season, but he left a lasting impression,” said Cullen, who became head coach in 2015 after his retirement from playing.

“He and I got on very well during rehabilitation sessions that we were both part of during that time. Since leaving Leinster, I have closely followed his coaching career and kept in touch. Obviously, he was with the Tasman Makos, but most recently with the Crusaders and also with the Samoan national team.

“That experience of different environments at club level and international level is something that we hope will add further value to everyone at Leinster. We are delighted Andrew will be joining our coaching group as he is very highly regarded by those who he has worked with. We look forward to welcoming him and his family back to Dublin very soon.”

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Super Rugby Pacific final against the Blues, Goodman added: “It wasn’t an easy decision to leave the Crusaders. It’s an environment that has taught me so much and really embraced my family and I over the past five years.

“However, I am looking forward to being back in Dublin and challenging myself in a new rugby environment. It’s going to be special to reconnect with a club I enjoyed representing as a player, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to take the next step in my coaching career.

“I’m really grateful to Scott for giving me a chance back in 2018 and for all of the opportunities I have had to grow in this environment over the past five years. The Crusaders are like family and I have been fortunate to be able to do what I love alongside coaches and management who have also become great mates.

“I also have to thank the playing group, who have trusted and supported me and contributed a lot to my development as a coach. It wasn’t an easy decision to leave but I’m excited to be heading back to Dublin with my family and linking up with a club I represented as a player.”

Reflecting on the impending exit of Goodman to take up the backs and attach role at Leinster, Crusaders boss Scott Robertson added: “Andrew is a special man and means a lot to our group. He is loved by players and management alike, so we are not only losing a highly-skilled coach but a great team man as well. I’m sure he will step in at Leinster and find ways to connect with his playing group and get the best out of them as he has done in New Zealand over a number of years.”