Crusaders name change called for
Concerns around the sensitivity of the Crusaders name are growing following the Christchurch mosque shootings.
It is the most recognisable sporting brand in New Zealand outside of the All Blacks but following Friday’s terror attack, there are calls for Canterbury’s Super Rugby franchise to consider a name change, despite its proud 23-year history.
To most people in Canterbury, the name Crusaders means a champion rugby team who has won more Super Rugby titles than any other side. But to others it carries undertones of religious wars and hatred.
Forty-nine people have been confirmed dead after the terrorist attack at two Christchurch mosques on Friday afternoon, with 39 people being treated in Christchurch Hospital.
The Crusades were religious wars between Christians and Muslims started primarily to secure control of holy sites considered sacred by both groups. Eight major Crusade expeditions occurred between 1096 and 1291.
The Crusades are estimated to have killed up to 2 million people.
The Crusaders franchise has used the slogan ’’join the crusade’’ in a promotional campaign.
Reaction has been mixed on social media, with some commentators suggesting it is political correctness overload and others saying the name is racist and needs to be changed before the Crusaders take to the field again.
‘‘It’s time to change your name. Lead the way in professional sport by acknowledging history, condemning its horrific past and what the name stands for,’’ one poster wrote.
‘‘I’m a huge fan of the team but it’s time to change the name. I’m supporting the Highlanders now until the name is changed. The name and symbol represents a group of people that wanted to wipe Muslims and Islam out,’’ another wrote.
‘‘I have thought about this too in wake of yesterday’s events – this is a discussion that needs to be had,’’ another post read.
In 2016, comedian Guy Williams said he had grown up with a love for the Crusaders but questioned whether they had Kiwi sport’s worst name?
‘‘Naming a rugby team after ‘‘the ruthless and widespread massacre of Muslims, Jews and other non-Christians’’ is a probably a bit much,’’ Williams wrote.
Yesterday’s scheduled Super Rugby match between the Crusaders and the Highlanders in Dunedin was canned as a way of showing respect to the victims of the Christchurch terrorist attacks.
Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge said their entire club community was in a state of shock.
The Crusaders have been approached for comment on a name change. Their website says the name was selected because it was ‘‘believed the name Crusaders reflected the crusading spirit of Canterbury rugby.’’