Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge has been forced to apologise after an audio recording from Wednesday afternoon's team announcement press conference caught coach Rob Penney making an obscene remark about a journalist.
Following a hard line of questioning from a reporter on Penney's future at the club following a 2-10 season with the side given a slim chance of reaching the playoffs, the coach was clearly caught unaware microphones were still running as he made a comment about the journalist while the media were packing up.
The footage was quickly picked up by New Zealand media outlets and spread across social media adding even more pressure to the under-fire coach.
Mansbridge released a statement on Thursday morning in response apologising for Penney's comments and stated the coach had been in contact to apologise while the CEO had also contacted the journalist who accepted the club's apology.
The incident couldn't come at a worse time for Penney with the seven-time champions staring down the barrel of their worst Super Rugby season ever and their chances of reaching the top eight relying on a shock win over the table topping Blues on Saturday and a win over Moana Pasifica in the final round.
Penney took over the role after Scott Robertson was offered the All Blacks head coaching position. Claiming seven-straight titles, the Crusaders have struggled in 2024, starting the season on a five game losing streak while they sit at 10th on the table with two rounds remaining.