The Crusaders have given the strongest indication yet as to a possible name change for New Zealand's most decorated Super Rugby side, with chairman Grant Jarrold emphasising the need for change in regard to the team's imagery.
After the terrorist attacks on two mosques that left 50 dead and dozens more injured, the Crusaders' have found themselves contemplating their identity as a team, with the name a reference to the Crusades of the Mediterranean that saw Muslims killed by Christians.
Speaking to Newstalk ZB this morning, Jarrold spoke about the Crusaders' decision to remove their pre-match tradition of horse-riding swordsmen from next week's clash with the Brumbies, as well as the need for consultation with the Muslim community to ensure the right outcome is reached.
The Crusaders are our most successful rugby franchise, epitomising the Canterbury spirit. (Source: Other)
"It's been a terrible thing that has happened in our city with this terrorist act. From our perspective, we need to respect the victims, the families and the community," he said.
"We don't want to offend anybody.
"We're all about the community anyway and we've had a number of instances in the past where we've had tragedy or events in this city that we've responded to the fans by doing something a little bit different.
"If some things we do aren't deemed appropriate for the future, then we'll make the right changes in a professional way."
SHARE ME