Rugby side Crusaders mull changing name after Christchurch massacre

The country's Minister for Sport and Recreation Grant Robertson said that he is aware conversations are taking place between the club and the city's Muslim community and that such actions are 'appropriate.'

'Clearly this is a big issue in Canterbury. The Crusaders is a well-established name and brand. I think it's a responsible action to undertake those conversations now,' Robertson told reporters on Tuesday.

The nine-time Super Rugby champions -- the club competition that features teams from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Argentina and Japan -- adopted the name 23 years ago.



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The attacks that took place last week, however, that saw a 28-year-old Australian gunman open fire at two mosques in Christchurch, have put the team's brand under the spotlight due to the Medieval religious wars between Christians and Muslims.

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The club continues to adopt imagery from the Crusades at games. Horsemen dressed in chainmail and carrying swords parade around the pitch, and captain Sam Whitelock plunged a ceremonial sword into the turf after last year's Super Rugby final victory.

'In terms of the Crusaders name, we understand the concerns that have been raised,' CEO Colin Mansbridge said in a statement on the club's website on Sunday.

'For us, the Crusaders name is a reflection of the crusading spirit of this community. What we stand for is the opposite of what happened in Christchurch on Friday; our crusade is one for peace, unity, inclusiveness and community spirit.

'Emotions are very raw and real at the moment. There is the need for this community to wrap our support around those who are most affected by Friday's events, and that is the immediate focus for the Crusaders team.

'At an appropriate time, we will thoroughly consider the issues that have been raised and our response to that. That will include conversations with a range of people, including our Muslim community.

'This team and the wider organization are united with our community in standing against such abhorrent acts as that which occurred on Friday in Christchurch, and in standing in support of our Muslim brothers and sisters.'

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The Crusaders' game against the Highlanders scheduled for Saturday was canceled.

New Zealand rugby star Sonny Bill Williams, the first Muslim to play for the All Blacks, released a tearful tribute to those who lost their lives in the attack and encouraged people to donate to those affected.

'Just sending my duas (supplication) to the families. Just sending my duas to your loved ones,' said the Blues' center. 'Inshallah you guys are all in paradise ... I'm just deeply saddened, saddened that this would happen in New Zealand.'

Mourners in Christchurch paid tributes to victims of the attacks by performing renditions of the haka -- the Maori war dance performed by the All Blacks before each game but also used to pay respects at funerals.

The attacks that took place last week, however, that saw a 28-year-old Australian gunman open fire at two mosques in Christchurch, have put the team's brand under the spotlight due to the Medieval religious wars between Christians and Muslims. Mourners in Christchurch paid tributes to victims of the attacks by performing renditions of the haka -- the Maori war dance performed by the All Blacks before each game but also used to pay respects at funerals. 'In terms of the Crusaders name, we understand the concerns that have been raised,' CEO Colin Mansbridge said in a statement on the club's website on Sunday. The country's Minister for Sport and Recreation Grant Robertson said that he is aware conversations are taking place between the club and the city's Muslim community and that such actions are 'appropriate.' 'At an appropriate time, we will thoroughly consider the issues that have been raised and our response to that. That will include conversations with a range of people, including our Muslim community. 'Clearly this is a big issue in Canterbury. The Crusaders is a well-established name and brand. I think it's a responsible action to undertake those conversations now,' Robertson told reporters on Tuesday. 'For us, the Crusaders name is a reflection of the crusading spirit of this community. What we stand for is the opposite of what happened in Christchurch on Friday; our crusade is one for peace, unity, inclusiveness and community spirit. The club continues to adopt imagery from the Crusades at games. Horsemen dressed in chainmail and carrying swords parade around the pitch, and captain Sam Whitelock plunged a ceremonial sword into the turf after last year's Super Rugby final victory. 'Clearly this is a big issue in Canterbury. The Crusaders is a well-established name and brand. I think it's a responsible action to undertake those conversations now,' Robertson told reporters on Tuesday. New Zealand rugby star Sonny Bill Williams, the first Muslim to play for the All Blacks, released a tearful tribute to those who lost their lives in the attack and encouraged people to donate to those affected.

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