For Brad Mooar, a return to the Crusaders doesn't just feel like home – it is home.
"For my family and myself to be back in here at Rugby Park working with great people 2 kilometres from where we live, it's a great privilege and it's been very enjoyable," he said.
The born-and-bred Cantabrian, who was in charge of attack at the Crusaders from 2016-2019, is relishing being back with an even bigger portfolio.
Mooar, who's signed until 2026, oversees the team's counter attack, turn-over play and kicking strategy and execution.
"I've really enjoyed the buy-in from the group to look at those areas and treat them as weapons... using them as really intentional choices rather than last-case scenarios if we've run out of options."
The former All Blacks backs coach said he's always liked to challenge, and be challenged in his areas of expertise.
"The guys are out there doing... they've actually been on the grass feeling it in the moment, so you can go and say 'well look, in this situation here this is an opportunity, I can see, what's the detail we can put in place here?'," he said.
"Empowering, caring and valuing the player as a person, I think, creates growth."
And there's been enough green shoots to suggest that formula's working.
The 14-time Super Rugby Champions, coming off their worst season in years in 2024, are currently second on the standings – only behind the Chiefs.
This season they've won their first game on the road since 2023, and recently secured a historic first win over the Drua in Fiji.
Mooar's had glowing reviews from key players too. Will Jordan told 1News Mooar knows what buttons to push when the group needs a lift, and when a 'calm voice' is needed as well.
"I like the way at the start of the week he brings all the ideas in, shows us opportunities and then from there, it's about filtering down working out what we're going to use and what's going to be successful on the weekend," said Jordan.
Mooar's experience in both hemispheres is a real asset. After his shock All Blacks axing in 2022, he had stints with Scotland and Argentina.
He's recently been linked to the vacant Wales job. However, he said Christchurch is where he wants to be.
"The kids are now teenagers and they are really well settled here and enjoying their lives – and this is their moment to really get into that and be settled in one place."
When pressed if being a future head coach of the Crusaders was on his mind, Mooar said his priority was supporting Rob Penney, the players and wider team to get back to the heights the club was once renowned for.
"What comes from there, comes from there," he said.
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