Crusaders skipper Codie Taylor is standing by his coach, but believes the hot-mic comments made towards a reporter were "unfortunate"

The Crusaders organisation has apologised to 1News reporter Thomas Mead after microphones caught coach Rob Penney using a four-letter expletive to describe him on Wednesday.

Taylor says Penney has largely carried himself well.



Midfielder Levi Aumua has been ruled out of tomorrow's game against the Blues with injury, meaning Dallas McLeod starts at centre.

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